A road safety operation by An Garda Síochána is currently in progress ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, following the deaths of 42 people on Irish roads so far this year.
Traffic volumes are expected to be particularly heavy over the next few days, reports RTE.
Gardaí have warned that the risk of being involved in a serious or fatal collision increases during this period.
The operation began at 7am this morning and will continue until 7am on Tuesday, reports RTE.
Director of Road Policing Inspector Adrian Queeney said that 42 people have lost their lives on Irish roads this year, including 12 pedestrians.
He stressed that drivers should stick to speed limits, wear seatbelts, and avoid using mobile phones while behind the wheel, reports RTE.
He also noted that checkpoints will be set up nationwide, where gardaí will conduct alcohol and drug testing.
With stormy weather forecast for the weekend, Insp Queeney advised motorists to follow any warnings issued by Met Éireann, reports RTE.
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Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One, he said: “Frankly the level of fatalities on our roads at the moment remains too high”, reports RTE.
He explained that some speed limits have recently been lowered for “good reason” as they “decrease the possibility of a fatality if a vehicle is in collision with a pedestrian.”
Insp Queeney described 12 pedestrian deaths in the first three months of the year as a “high number”, reports RTE.
He encouraged drivers to be more mindful as longer evenings mean more pedestrians outdoors, and advised pedestrians to wear high-visibility clothing, walk on the correct side of the road, and use pavements where available.
Minister of State Sean Canney urged all road users to “take personal responsibility” for their behaviour, reports RTE.
“Let’s make a pledge to one another that we will arrive at our destination safely, that we will protect everybody on the road and that we will all enjoy the weekend with our family and our friends this year”, reports RTE.
He added that the Government is exploring the introduction of alcohol interlocks—devices that prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver fails a breath test.
However, he said there is currently no set timeline for rolling out such measures, reports RTE.
Analysis indicates that the highest risk period for collisions over a bank holiday weekend is between 3pm and 6pm.
Gardaí reiterated that their core message remains unchanged: drive safely and remain fully attentive at all times, reports RTE.
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