Counties Affected
Updated 28 September 2026: this report was regenerated with corrected figures. An earlier version overstated the year-on-year change by comparing against our own incomplete record of the previous year rather than official Road Safety Authority statistics, and included some double-counted incidents. See our methodology.
Overview
Three people lost their lives on Irish roads between Tuesday 1 April and Friday 4 April 2026, with fatal collisions recorded in Donegal, Dublin, and Waterford. Behind each statistic is a person — a woman going about her day in Letterkenny, a young man cycling through the heart of Dublin, and an individual whose identity was still being established by Gardaí at the time of writing. Our thoughts are with all of their families, friends, and communities.
Incidents
Dublin — Tuesday, 1 April Johnny Santos Xavier De Abreu, a 27-year-old Brazilian national living in Ireland, was killed in a collision involving a truck at the busy junction of O’Connell Street and Middle Abbey Street in Dublin city centre. His death is a reminder of the very real dangers faced by cyclists navigating urban junctions, particularly where large vehicles are involved.
Waterford — Tuesday, 1 April A fatal collision occurred on the Tramore Road at Pickardstown in County Waterford on the same day. Gardaí were working to formally identify the deceased at the time of reporting. We extend our sympathies to all those affected while that process continues.
Donegal — Friday, 3 April A woman in her 40s died after being struck by a lorry at Station Roundabout on the Port Road in Letterkenny. Pedestrian safety at busy roundabouts and road junctions remains an ongoing concern, and this tragedy underlines the need for continued vigilance from all road users.
Road Death Statistics: Year to Date
Based on our own tally compiled from news reports, approximately 38 people have died on Irish roads so far in 2026. At the same point in 2025, the official Road Safety Authority figure stood at 51 fatalities.
That represents an approximate reduction of around 25% compared to last year — an encouraging sign, though it should be noted that our current figure is drawn from media reports rather than official RSA data, and the two counting methodologies are not directly comparable. Any comparison should therefore be treated with caution rather than as a firm conclusion. Even so, the general direction is cautiously positive — and every effort to sustain or improve upon it matters.
What does not change is the human cost behind these numbers. Thirty-eight deaths in fewer than 100 days of the year is a sobering figure, not a reassuring one.
Safety Focus: Vulnerable Road Users
Two of the three fatalities this week involved pedestrians or cyclists in collisions with large goods vehicles — a pattern that, tragically, recurs with regularity on Irish roads. The Road Safety Authority has consistently highlighted the particular vulnerability of pedestrians and cyclists when they share space with heavy vehicles, and has previously run awareness campaigns targeting both truck drivers and those on foot or bike.
If you are cycling in an urban environment, be especially cautious at junctions and roundabouts — positions where lorries and trucks have significant blind spots. Wear high-visibility clothing, ensure your lights are functioning, and never position yourself where a turning vehicle may not see you.
If you are driving or operating a large vehicle, take extra time at junctions to check for cyclists and pedestrians before manoeuvring. A moment’s additional care can be the difference that matters most.
Looking Ahead
As the Easter period approaches, Irish roads traditionally see increased traffic volumes, with families travelling for holidays and long weekends. Historically, Bank Holiday periods can bring a heightened risk of road incidents, and An Garda Síochána typically increase enforcement activity accordingly.
Please allow extra time for your journey, avoid fatigue, observe speed limits, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are walking or cycling over the coming days, make yourself visible and stay alert.
The roads we all share are safer when every road user — driver, cyclist, pedestrian, or passenger — takes responsibility for their part in the journey.
If you have information about any road fatality not yet included in our count, please contact us through the website.
Report card description: Three people died on Irish roads between 1–4 April 2026, in incidents across Donegal, Dublin, and Waterford, with two fatalities involving collisions between vulnerable road users and large vehicles. Our year-to-date tally stands at approximately 38 deaths, which is broadly lower than at the same point last year, though comparisons with official figures should be treated with caution.