Minister for Transport Martin Cullen has urged motorists to drive carefully over Christmas period.
Minister for Transport Martin Cullen: put your seatbelt on, observe the speed limits and never drink and drive
Mr Cullen said people traditionally make extra journeys by car during the Christmas period to visit relatives.
"Road deaths and injuries continue to exact a heavy toll on the community," he said.
"Untimely death as a result of a road collision is always tragic. At this particular time of year the sadness of their loss will be touched by a particular poignancy.
"The need for care when driving is a constant reality."
A total of 391 people have died in road crashes so far this year, compared to 374 for the whole of 2004.
The minister said that almost 90 per cent of road collisions are a direct result of the behaviour of road users.
In many instances that behaviour is affected by the fact that drivers consume alcohol, he added.
Mr Cullen praised the Garda for its intensive anti-drink driving Christmas campaign and noted that initial returns from that campaign revealed a increase in the number of arrests.
Mr Cullen added: "I would make a particular appeal to motorists to ensure that they do not drive after they have consumed alcohol. Even one alcoholic drink should be avoided if you are going to drive."
The minister referred to the recent advertising campaign which highlights the consequences of drink driving and the decisions which are forced upon innocent parties because of one person's decision to drink and drive.
The 60-second 'Just One' TV ad was launched by National Safety Council in the Republic and the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland last month.
Mr Cullen said: "The increased levels of enforcement which the gardai have put in place, along with advertising campaigns such as those carried out by the National Safety Council will strengthen the fight against drink driving.
"Ultimately however, it is a matter for individual road users to act responsibly on our roads and to take responsible decisions.
"By taking some simple advice, we can reduce the level of road deaths and serious injuries - put your seatbelt on, observe the speed limits and never drink and drive", he concluded.
PA