Gardaí today warned motorists over the dangers of speed, drink-driving and tiredness during the June bank holiday weekend.
Seven people died during this holiday period last year.
Gardaí have detected 44,000 speeding offences and 4,500 drink-driving incidents between January and March this year. A Garda spokesman said the force continues to be concerned about the level of road deaths and injuries nationwide.
"We want to continue to see an increase in the compliance culture, and therefore all road users are asked to be vigilant and to take all necessary steps to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
"Tiredness also contributes to road fatalities and injuries, and so drivers should plan all journeys and stop in a safe place if they feel at all tired and take a short nap or break away from the road.
"Inappropriate speed, the single greatest contributory factor to road deaths and serious injuries, will continue to be prioritised as part of Garda enforcement activities," he said.
A total of 36 pedestrians have been killed on the roads this year.
The spokesman added: "Pedestrians should take whatever steps they can to ensure their safety on the roads. . . . they should walk facing on-coming traffic, and use footpaths, pedestrian and designated crossings, where available, and wear bright clothing and reflective bands."
Motorists were also urged to be more conscious of pedestrians walking on and crossing roads.
AA Roadwatch said it also supported the Road Safety Authority in its message that motorists should "never drink and drive".
"Road safety is a serious concern on long weekends" said Roadwatch controller Nicola Hudson. "Drivers need to be alert and aware at all times, always designate a driver in advance and never drink and drive."
AA Roadwatch said the commute between Co Meath and Dublin city will be particularly busy as supporters head to the Leinster SFC quarter-final on Sunday at Croke Park.
There is also racing at Navan racecourse.
"Several big sporting events will bring a focus on Croke Park and all roads to Dublin's northside this weekend," said Ms Hudson.
"On Sunday in particular full capacity is expected in Croke Park for the double-header of Louth v Wicklow and Meath v Dublin, and traffic delays are anticipated on the N3 through Dunshaughlin and Fairyhouse Cross beforehand."
Elsewhere, the Bloom Garden Festival in the Phoenix Park is expected to attract a large crowd.
The Dublin City Mini-Marathon and the Cork City Marathon take place on Monday, and thousands of visitors are expected in both cities.
"In Dublin, rolling road closures will be in place along the route from 8am - 6.30pm and until 4pm in Cork," said Ms Hudson.
Full route details are available at www.aaroadwatch.ie