A road safety campaign is under way across the country for the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The dedicated road traffic enforcement operation began at 7 o'clock this morning and will continue until 7am on Wednesday.
Gardaí say bank holiday weekends are one of the busiest periods on Irish roads, and are also one of the periods during which road users are at the highest risk of being involved in a fatal or serious road traffic collision.
So far this year, 95 people have lost their lives on Irish roads. A motorcyclist in his 20s died in a road crash in Co Waterford late last night.
An Garda Síochána is appealing to all those that will be taking to the roads this long weekend to slow down and take extra caution.
Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon urged drivers to "slow down and plan their journey ahead".
Speaking to RTÉ News at a garda checkpoint in Claremorris, Co Mayo, he advised road users to take breaks if they have long journeys ahead of them and to put their mobile phones away.
"We really do not want to be visiting another family with terrible news," he said.
"We're going to be out in force right from today straight through until next Wednesday with extra checkpoints and considerable more enforcement in relation to speeding, mobile phones and seatbelts.
"Please drive carefully and drive responsibly."
Watch: Superintendent Ray McMahon urges motorists to take care on the roads this weekend
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Sean Canney, urged motorists to wear their seatbelts and put their mobile phones away.
"Do not drink and drive, do not take drugs and drive, and above all, drive at a speed that you can control your car," he said.
"I ask everybody, whether they're driving day or night, to be careful on the roads. Make sure that you've full control of your vehicle.
"Drive safely, cycle safely, be safe."
Sarah O'Connor, Director of Partnerships and External Affairs with the Road Safety Authority, advised drivers to "consider their actions" on the roads this weekend.
She said that while they have seen a decrease in passenger and driver fatalities in the last six months compared to previous years, there have been rises in fatalities among motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
"We are all vulnerable road users at different points in the day and the week. We need to take really great care and observe very, very carefully when we share our roads, especially across this Bank Holiday weekend," she said.
"We can all take care this Bank Holiday weekend. Never drink and drive, never take drugs and drive, put on your seatbelt, take great care and slow down. We can prevent serious injuries and fatalities this weekend."
