Pedestrians have been urged to ensure they make themselves visible on roads and footpaths as dark winter nights approach, as it emerged that 60 pedestrians have been killed on the roads so far this year.
The Garda press office revealed today that there were 53 such deaths by the same date last year.
Seventeen of the pedestrians killed on the roads were over the age of 76, compared to 13 last year.
"It is now more important than ever, as the darker evenings approach that pedestrians, cyclists and other such road users wear high visibility clothing and fluorescent garments which, if worn will save lives," a Garda spokesman said.
"We also urge people to assist the elderly whenever possible, when crossing roadways and indeed when using the roads in general."
Provisional Garda statistics also show that there were 398 drink-driving incidents recorded in the week from October 15th to October 21st. The figure for the previous week was 413.