Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has led appeals to motorists to drive safely and to obey the rules of the road over this bank holiday weekend. Tim O'Brien reports.
Five people were killed in road traffic collisions and 137 were injured during last year's October holiday weekend.
Urging caution, Mr Ahern yesterday said that as the long weekend approached, "I want to make a particular appeal to parents and young people to do all within their grasp to make this a safe weekend for driving.
"I am determined that as a nation we cease the unnecessary carnage, death, injury and grief caused by road collisions.
"There is no simple, quick remedy. My Government has provided the legislation and resources required by the gardaí and we are determined to do more."
He added: "We can prevent deaths. Together we will make this happen."
TheAA has also warned motorists to "slow down, wear your seat belt even for short journeys and take breaks if you're driving long distances".
The organisation also says that as the days get darker, drivers should use dipped headlights at any time in the day when visibility is reduced.
The AA said the bank holiday rush began early yesterday afternoon and would continue to early evening on Monday.
Spokeswoman Nicola Hudson said the Cork Jazz Festival and the Dublin City Marathon were likely to add to pressure in both directions on the roads between the cities.
"The best advice is to take it easy, respect speed limits and do not try to make up time lost in tailbacks by speeding on the open road," Ms Hudson said.
Assistant Garda Commissioner Eddie Rock warned: "I can say with certainty there will be about 400 people processed for drinkdriving this weekend . . . There will be about 3,000 detected for serious speeding over the weekend also."
He called on drivers to plan their journeys properly and to include sufficient numbers of breaks.
Minister for Transport Martin Cullen also lent his support to the appeals, saying he "would urge all those travelling to exercise vigilance and care.
"We can all have a safe bank holiday weekend if we obey the law.Wear a seat belt whether you are sitting in the back or front of a car and if you are tired do not drive.
"Pull in and take a break - the Road Safety Authority's research shows that driver fatigue could be a contributory factor in up to a fifth of driver deaths in Ireland.
"A car can be a lethal weapon. Do not get in behind the wheel if you have taken a drink. Even one alcoholic drink should be avoided if you are going to drive," the Minister added.
"I know that significant numbers of mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints are planned for every Garda division over the holiday weekend."