Motorists were today urged to drive with greater caution as the June bank holiday weekend approaches.
The National Safety Council (NSC) warned young people in particular against drinking and driving, excessive speeding and the failure of drivers and passengers to wear seat belts.
Young drivers are disproportionately involved in road accidents, according to the NSC.
Twenty-five per cent of all road fatalities in 1999 were in the 18-24 age group and three quarters of those killed were male, according to statistics published by the National Roads authority.
The number of people who have died on the State's roads so far this year has risen to 153 following the death today of two people in Co Clare and Co Wicklow. The total for last year was 415.
Last year eight people were killed and over 130 injured over the June bank holiday weekend.