The National Safety Council has repeated a call for drivers to take extreme care on the roads.
Pat Costello, the organisation's chief executive, said the Christmas period was a particularly difficult time due to a greater number of people on the move and increased levels of alcohol consumption.
He said: "It is absolutely vital that more and more people are allowed to enjoy the festivities over the Christmas period, in a cheerful frame of mind rather that grieving over the loss of a family member or friend."
The warning follows the release of official figures appearing to confirm that the recent introduction of penalty points for speeding motorists that could lose them their licences, was improving driving habits.
So far this year, a total of 377 people have lost their lives on Irish roads this year - the lowest total since 1989. The worst toll over that period was in 1990, when 478 died. The worst month was July this year, when there were 42 victims.
But to date this month - following the introduction of the penalty points system - the number to have died is 20.