Ireland is dependent on an efficient road transport system for its social and economic development. Over the last decade, there has been unprecedented economic growth in the state which has coincided with an improved road network, increasing population and more vehicles (both commercial and private) being registered. The downside to such a system is the deaths and serious injuries that result from motor vehicle collisions on the road network. Despite an increase in population, as well as growing numbers of driver licence holders and registered vehicles, the annual number of fatalities has been declining since 1997. Data trends in the Republic of Ireland between 1997 and 2007 for registered vehicles, driver licence holders, population and fatalities are shown in Figure A1. As illustrated in the graph below there is a decrease in the number of fatalities. Since 1997, the population has increased by 18 per cent, registered motor vehicles has increased by 71 per cent, number of driver licence holders (both full and provisional) has increased by 37 per cent, fuel consumption for road transport has increased by 45 per cent whereas the number of fatalities has decreased by 28.4 per cent.