Mayo male drivers under-25 'face significantly higher risk of road traffic injuries' - data
AXA claims analysis reveals that young drivers, particularly young men, face a significantly higher risk of being injured on Irish roads.
The findings come as more than 1,400 senior cycle students from schools across Mayo attend the 19th annual AXA Roadsafe Roadshow at the TF Royal Theatre in Castlebar.
Nationally, AXA’s claims data shows that drivers under 25 are 75% more likely to be injured in a road traffic collision than drivers aged 25 and over.
Young male drivers are at even higher risk, with men under 25, 48% more likely to be injured in a road traffic collision than women in the same age group.
In Mayo, this pattern is even more stark: male drivers under the age of 25 are nearly three times more likely to be injured than male drivers aged 25 and over.
The theme for this year’s AXA Roadsafe Roadshow is “Consequences”, exploring the long‑term impact that road traffic collisions can have on survivors, families, friends and entire communities.
According to An Garda Síochána, nine people were killed and 23 were seriously injured on Mayo roads in 2025, meaning that for every life lost, there were almost 3 people left with serious, often lifechanging injuries.
Mick Comerford, Retail Direct Director, AXA, said: “When we talk about road safety, the conversation too often stops at the number of people who have lost their lives on our roads.
"What we don’t see as easily are the many young people who survive road traffic collisions but face months, years, or even a lifetime living with serious injuries.
"Our claims data makes it clear that young drivers are particularly at risk, including here in Mayo, which is why shaping safer habits at this age is so critical.
“Our message to students is very clear: what you do behind the wheel matters. Choosing to slow down, ignore your phone, wear your seatbelt and never drive under the influence can be the difference between getting home safely and a life changed in an instant, for you, your friends and everyone who cares about you.”
Organised in partnership with Mayo County Council, An Garda Síochána and local emergency services, the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow delivered an emotional, hard-hitting experience.
It recreated a “night out” that ends in tragedy, using powerful firsthand testimonies from first responders, survivors and bereaved families:
First‑hand accounts from emergency responders who attend serious collisions and road fatalities.
Personal stories told the real consequences.
Hayley Coleman, a survivor of a road traffic collision in which she was a passenger that tragically killed her friend.
Myles O’Brien, a survivor of a road traffic collision where speed and inexperience caused him to lose control of his motorbike and end up in a wheelchair for life.
Leo Lieghio, who tragically lost his daughter Marsia in a hit and run collision.
Speaking at the event, Frances Mitchell, Road Safety Officer with Mayo County Council, said: “This is a very hard-hitting and informative Roadshow and is aimed at young drivers starting out on their driving journey to adopt a more responsible attitude in terms of their own driving behaviour.
"Speeding, driving under the influence of drink and or drugs, dangerous driving and distracted driving can have a devastating impact on both the driver and other road users.
"The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow aims to encourage the next generation of young road users to actively think about the importance of road safety and to make the best choice.”