Motorists and other road users have been urged to take extra care over the Easter bank holiday weekend, following two deaths and 18 injuries last Easter.
The Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána issued a road safety appeal today ahead of what is expected to be a busy weekend.
Last Easter two people were killed and 18 seriously injured over the long weekend.
Easter bank holidays over the last five years have seen 11 people die and 67 receive serious injuries.
So far this year there have been 45 deaths following 42 fatal crashes - an increase of one fatality and an equal number of fatal crashes compared to the same time last year.
Bank holidays bring a higher volume of traffic onto roads and with this comes an increased risk of collisions, the RSA said.
Drivers are urged to slow down, wear seatbelts and not to drive while impaired through alcohol, drugs, or fatigue.
They are also being reminded to watch out for vulnerable road users including cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders and motorcyclists, particularly on rural roads where most fatal collisions take place.
Pedestrians are reminded to use the footpath and, if there is none, to walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
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Additional advice for road users from the RSA includes:
- With traffic likely to be heavy over the bank holiday motorists are advised to allow extra time to get to their destination.
- If feeling tired while driving: stop, sip, sleep. That is to stop somewhere safe, have a caffeinated drink and nap for 15 minutes.
This weekend drivers are reminded that the RSA and participating Applegreen service stations are providing free cups of coffee to drivers to help combat driver fatigue.
The offer is available from 2pm to 8pm tomorrow and Monday.
