Road safety bosses appealed to the public today to remember those who died in road accidents by being more careful behind the wheel.
On World Day of Remembrance for victims of road traffic accidents, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) appealed to people to acknowledge the pain and suffering of the bereaved and injured.
Gay Byrne, chairman of the Road Safety Authority, said: "There is always one voice missing from the debate and discussion on road safety, the voice of those who have lost their lives on our roads. On Sunday 19th November we have an opportunity to remember them and the pain and suffering of families and friends who continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones.
"One practical way we can honour those who have died on our roads is to examine closely our own behaviour. Is there room for improvement? Are there any bad habits we would change that would make us and others safer?
"For example could we slow down a little more? Could we take fewer chances with amber lights? Could we give proper signals more often? And could we be a little more caring towards other road users? By all of us making a small change we can make a big difference."
Transport Minister Martin Cullen also urged all road users including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to take extra care on the roads and consider others.
Over 21,150 people have been killed in road accidents in the State since 1961.
Following an adoption of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly last year, the third Sunday in November was designated as the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
The date has extra significance for Michael O'Neill from Drogheda Co Louth. Mr O'Neill lost his daughter Fiona, 21, and her boyfriend Dominic Wogan, 23, on November 19, 2001 an hour before they were due to leave for Australia.
"Nobody realises the pain and heartbreak suffered by families who have lost loved ones in road crashes. Nobody believes it will ever happen to them, but it can and it does, it happened to our families," Mr O'Neill said.
"It is good to see that this year we are remembering our family and community members who have been tragically taken from us in road crashes and hopefully every year we will remember them on the third Sunday of November.
"I would appeal to everyone using our roads to remember that you are sharing the roads with others. Please take greater responsibility for your actions whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, car driver or truck driver.
By doing this we can make sure fewer people in this country will have to suffer."
Mr O'Neill said people should also pay tribute to the emergency services who have to deal with the aftermath of road traffic crashes every day.