Statistics relating to road accidents, based on information provided by the Garda Síochána, are published by the National Roads Authority, NRA in its annual Road Accident Facts reports. The most recent report, now entitled Road Collision Facts, relates to 2004. That report along with reports relating to previous years are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the NRA website.
In 2004, there were 334 fatal accidents and 374 fatalities. Goods vehicles were involved in 20% of all collisions during that year. However, an NRA study relating to the number of vehicle kilometres of travel in Ireland in 2001 indicate that the average number of kilometres travelled by goods vehicles is significantly higher than other vehicle types. The average number of vehicle kilometres travelled for all vehicles is 19,947. In the case of goods vehicles, the average number of kilometres travelled is 27,381. There is therefore no evidence that heavy goods vehicles are significantly involved in road collisions, given that they have a significantly greater presence on our roads than other vehicles.
It is unfortunately the case however, that the consequences resulting from a collision with a heavy goods vehicle are generally more severe than with a smaller type of vehicle.