RSA research highlights late-night risks for young drivers
New report finds 189 drivers aged 17 to 25 were involved in 178 fatal collisions in Ireland between 2021 and 2025, with a significant proportion occurring at night and in the early hours of the morning
Print9 October 2026
New research from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has highlighted the heightened risks facing young drivers on Irish roads, with late-night and early-morning hours emerging as particularly high-risk periods for fatal collisions.
The findings are outlined in the report Young Drivers in Casualty Collisions, Ireland 2021–2025, presented at the RSA’s Annual International Conference in Dublin on Thursday, 8 October.
This year’s conference focused on young driver risk, bringing together road safety experts, researchers, policymakers and practitioners to examine the factors contributing to collisions and identify ways to reduce risks.
Late-night driving a key risk factor
The RSA report found that 189 drivers aged 17 to 25 were involved in 178 fatal collisions in Ireland over the five-year period. These drivers accounted for 19% of all drivers involved in fatal collisions.
The analysis highlighted a notable concentration of collisions during evening and overnight hours. Nearly one-third of fatal collisions involving young drivers occurred between 8pm and midnight, while a further 21% took place between midnight and 4am.
The findings underline the importance of addressing the risks associated with driving at night and in the early hours, alongside broader measures to improve young driver safety.
Young men overrepresented in fatal collisions
The research also identified a significant gender imbalance among young drivers involved in fatal collisions. Of the 189 drivers recorded, 156, or 83%, were male.
Drivers aged 22 and 23 were the most represented age group, accounting for 55 drivers, equivalent to 29% of the total.
According to the RSA, the findings highlight the need for targeted road safety policies, education and interventions that reflect the different factors influencing collision risk among young drivers.
Experts examine ways to reduce young driver risk
The RSA conference explored a range of approaches to improving road safety for young drivers, including Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), international best practice in driver training and the potential role of telematics in reducing risk.
Delegates also heard about Norway’s experience in reducing road deaths and serious injuries among young people, as well as the importance of enforcement, rehabilitation following serious injury and wider European efforts to improve road safety.
Dr Kiran Sarma, associate professor of psychology at the University of Galway, presented emerging evidence on the psychological and behavioural factors associated with young driver collision risk. These included sensation-seeking, peer influence, hazard perception and self-regulation.
“Young drivers are not a single high-risk group. We are increasingly able to identify the psychological and behavioural factors that place some young drivers at greater risk than others, and this creates real opportunities to develop more targeted and effective interventions,” Sarma said.
Access to driving must be balanced with safety
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney TD, highlighted the importance of driving in providing young people with access to education, employment and other opportunities, particularly in rural Ireland.
“A driving licence can mean independence. It can provide access to education, employment and opportunity. And, particularly for young people living in rural Ireland, the ability to drive can be an important part of participating fully in everyday life,” he said.
The minister added that young people should be supported to experience the benefits of driving while ensuring their safety and that of other road users.
RSA calls for a holistic approach
Sam Waide, chief executive of the RSA, said the research demonstrated the need for a comprehensive approach to reducing young driver risk.
“The research shows that while young drivers account for a relatively small proportion of the driving population, they are overrepresented in fatal collisions,” Waide said.
He added: “The concentration of fatal collisions during late-night and early-morning hours, alongside the strong representation of young men, highlights particular areas for continued focus in road safety policy, education, enforcement and intervention.”
The findings are expected to inform ongoing discussions around young driver safety, with the RSA emphasising the importance of evidence-led measures to reduce collisions and protect all road users.
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© 2026, ShelfLife by Patryk Goron
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