It had been predicted that as many as five people would die each year in accidents involving Luas trams, but with over six million kilometres travelled, there has yet to be a single death.

This record contrasts with other similar light rail systems worldwide where deaths are relatively common. Eighteen people died in tram incidents in Prague in 2005, while in Amsterdam eight people died in tram incidents in 2002. When Portland, Oregon's light rail system was launched, five people were killed in the first 14 months.

Figures obtained by the Sunday Tribune show there have been 94 incidents involving Luas trams in the 24 months since its launch. The service began in June 2005 and there were 36 road accidents involving trams in the first six months. Of these, 34 were minor but two were classed as serious, with 22 occurring at signalled junctions, meaning drivers were at fault.

In 2006, there were 21 road accidents in which a car collided with a Luas tram, 19 of which were minor. Trams made contact with people on 18 occasions, with three people left seriously injured.

Ten of these 18 incidents occurred at Luas stations when people were struck either entering or leaving a tram. One pedestrian was hit while crossing a track and two cyclists were also hit crossing tracks. In the first six months of 2007, ten road accidents have taken place involving trams, while nine pedestrians have been struck so far.

Light rail systems have proven far safer than road travel. In 2004, 43,472 people died in road accidents across the EU, compared to just 105 rail fatalities.

Some 22 million passengers were carried on the Luas in the second half of 2005, but this dropped to 26 million over the full year of 2006. It is anticipated that the 40 Luas trams will carry up to 29 million passengers this year.

All drivers are continuously assessed and monitored by supervisory drivers from a central control room. Every driver has to be recertified after two years and must take theoretical and practical exams.