An Garda Siochána has warned motorists against breaching drink driving legislation over the holiday weekend.
Gardaí will be out in force carrying out breath tests at checkpoints around the country and road users have been advised to be vigilant and to take all necessary steps to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
So far this year, 60 people have been killed in 58 road accidents. The figure, which includes 24 pedestrians and 23 drivers, compared to 83 people killed in the same period in 2006.
The Road Safety Authority made a fresh appeal to people not to drink and drive, urging those travelling across the country to take extra care on the roads.
"Weekends are high risk periods on our roads, but over bank holiday weekends those risks increase significantly," said Noel Brett, RSA.
"This bank holiday the RSA is supporting the enforcement activity of the gardai who will be conducting extensive mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints over the weekend. "The message for drink drivers is that the chances of getting caught and losing your licence are high."
Mr Brett stressed that just one drink affects driving. "This weekend plan ahead when going out for a drink," he continued. "Leave the keys at home; get a taxi, minibus, public transport or take turns to designate a driver."
Pedestrians under the influence of alcohol, and vulnerable road users, are also warned to take extra care when making their way home.
Drunk pedestrians, who are more likely to make a mistake that could cause a road traffic collision, are advised to walk on a footpath, face traffic if there is no footpath, and wear bright visible clothing