The Minister of State at the Department of Transport has raised concerns about the number of younger people using apps on their mobile phone while driving.
James Lawless said research by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) had some "really shocking findings" where people divulged their behaviour while driving.
"We know 30% of people text on the phone often or very often, 20% read messages or emails often or very often," he told RTÉ's Morning Ireland.
"The under 35, 40% confessed to using apps while driving," Mr Lawless said, adding "that's almost one in two drivers under 35 using apps, flicking around [on] their phone while driving.
"I think that's a pretty shocking figure and I think really we need to take this really seriously.
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The RSA research found that one in ten drivers were observed using a mobile phone while driving in 2023.
RSA Chief Executive Sam Waide said the fatality figures were "deeply concerning, especially for our younger population".
"Drivers need to take responsibility and stop the killer behaviours," he said.
"The fact of the matter is, we are at risk of reversing the progress we have made in road safety.
"While the figures are devastating, we must not lose hope – we should let this motivate us all to work together to do everything we can to reverse trends and save lives."
Assistant Garda Commissioner for Roads Policing Paula Hilman said mobile phone use among drivers has been on the rise.
"Our own garda enforcement data also shows an 8% increase in detections for mobile phone use over the last 12 months.
"We appeal to road users this bank holiday weekend to take every precaution and to put your mobile phones aside whilst driving, and to do your part in keeping Irish roads safe."
Mr Lawless said distracted driving was to be the focus of a road safety campaign over upcoming the August Bank Holiday weekend.
"Using your phone, using your tablet, using your device at the wheel [is] really something we're focusing on this weekend and saying the stats are far too high," he said.
"You should not be on TikTok at the wheel."
There have been 113 deaths on the roads so far this year, an increase of 13 on the same period last year.
