An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority have urged drivers to take extra care over the May bank holiday weekend as road deaths have increased by 8% so far this year.
A total of 56 people have died on Irish roads to date in 2023 - an increase of four compared to the same period in 2022.
RSA collision data shows that the May bank holiday is a high risk period for crashes, with seven people killed and 83 people seriously injured over the weekend in the last five years.
Four people were killed and 27 were seriously injured over the bank holiday last year.
Some 154 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs over the same weekend.
Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said: "The Gardaí will have a high visibility presence this weekend and a focus on the four lifesaver offences; speeding, mobile phone use while driving, seatbelt compliance and intoxicated driving.
"We focus on these offences as research tells us that they are the biggest causes of fatal and serious injuries on the road.
"When behind the wheel, ignore your phone - it’s not worth the distraction - and finally never, ever drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and remember that you may still be over the limit the following morning."
Sarah O’Connor, Director of Partnership and External Affairs at the RSA added: "The roads will be a much busier with people travelling on short breaks - many will be travelling to and from sporting and local events too, so the advice is to slow down and expect the unexpected on your journey.
"I would also specifically appeal to drivers to watch out for people cycling, walking, horse riding and riding motorbikes.
"By doing so, we can ensure that the weekend remains free of trauma for families.
"This is not an impossible thing to achieve as there were no fatalities over the recent St. Patrick’s bank holiday weekend – together we can do this again this weekend."
