Over the time period 2008 to 2012, 983 fatal

collisions occurredon Irish roads

claiming thelives of 1,077

people. This report examines 867 of the fatal collisions which occurred during this time period.

Focus on the vehicle type, age, condition and associated vehicle factors which may have contributed to the collision.

Report is based on an analysis of the completed Garda investigation file where the full circumstances of the collisions are available. Access was granted by An Garda Síochána to the completed Investigation File produced for each collision. The file contains two main reports:

• An Garda Investigation Report

• Forensic Collision Investigation Report

The RSA collected the data in the Garda National Traffic Bureau.

This report provides an analysis of the data by collision, by vehicle and by contributory factor.

Of the 867 collisions analysed, 858 involved at least one motorised vehicle

101 collisions were identified as having a vehicle factor which contributed to the collision ( in full or in part)

Tyres were a known contributory factor in 66(8%) of the 858 collisions

Brakes were a known contributory factor in 14(1.6%) of the 858 collisions

Tyres accounted for almost two thirds (64.1%) of the 101 vehicle factors cited as contributory to the collision

Tyres were very prevalent as a factor in single vehicle crashes (74.1%) when compared with 2 or more vehicle crashes (57.6%)

The majority of defective tyres were on cars (84.8%), however, four (6.1%) motorcycle collisions had tyre quality as a contributory factor

Over half (51.5%) of the tyre condition on the 66 vehicles were rated as excessively or dangerously worn

10.6% were underinflated, some dangerously low

6% were a combination of excessively worn, underinflated, wrong size or fitted in the wrong direction

Combination of tyres and behavioural factors such as alcohol, drugs, speed, distraction, fatigue led to the final outcome of the collision.

Three of the collisions involved no other reported behaviour (only the condition of the tyres)

1) the vehicle experienced a tyre blow-out,

2) the tyre was overinflated on a wet surface and lost control and

3) the tyre was underinflated and collapsed on cornering.

• The largest age group driving with defective, worn, over or underinflated tyres were 17 to 24 year olds (47%).

• The county where most vehicles had defective tyres was Donegal (18.2%). Followed by Cork, Kerry and Wexford (9.1% each).

• 21 of the 66 vehicles lost control on a bend.

• The road surface was dry at the time of 41 (62%) of the 66 collisions involving defective, worn, under/overinflated tyres.

• The majority (62.1%) of the 66 collisions occurred on a regional road.

Overall 111 people lost their lives and 30 were seriously injured in a collision where a vehicle factor was a known contributory factor.

Tyres:

Brakes:

Other Factors: