The number of people killed on Northern Ireland’s roads increased to 115 last year from 107 in 2008, records show.
The number of deaths in 2008 was the lowest on record following a steady decline during the last decade.
Young men are still much more likely to die, with those aged between 17 and 24 making up 38 per cent of fatalities. However the number of child deaths has fallen from seven in 2008 to four in 2009.
Environment Minister Edwin Poots said the figure was disheartening.
“The tragedy is that 115 people just like you and me were going about their normal business, presumably with hope, ambition and enthusiasm for the New Year ahead. But they didn’t get the chance to fulfil their ambitions," he said.
“The death of each one is tragic and will have brought enormous suffering to their families and friends.”
There were 240 road deaths in the Republic last year, the lowest number on record. The figure was a reduction of 39 on 2008. Last year’s figures were almost 100 down on 2007 when 338 people were killed in crashes. The Republic now ranks sixth in Europe in terms of road safety by the European Transport Safety Council, up from 22nd just three years ago.