The Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority has described this Christmas on the country's roads as "tragic" and says it is clear drivers are becoming complacent when it comes to road safety.
Moyagh Murdock said in the last few days, six families have lost a loved one, making it "one of the worst” Christmas periods ever.
She was speaking shortly before a man in his 70s died in a crash in Co Westmeath.
Ms Murdock says it is clear people are becoming complacent and are taking chances.
She said many of the accidents are happening close to where people live.
"So many are on local roads, areas they know very well. People think they are just going to go a short distance or they maybe didn't plan on staying out, they've taken a few drinks, they've decided they can't get a taxi home", she said.
Ms Murdock said 2015 was showing positive trends but "all too quickly, all of that changes in a flash".
She has urged motorists and pedestrians to take responsibility.
She said drivers need to slow down and never drink and drive.
Ms Murdock said it is down to everybody to play their part.
Meanwhile, the RSA is urging motorists to exercise caution while using the roads after Met Éireann issued a number of weather warnings, with strong winds and heavy rain expected for much of the country in the coming days.
Road users are asked to check local weather and traffic conditions before making a trip and to consider postponing journeys if conditions are particularly bad.
