There has been an increase in road deaths this year compared to 2020.
Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have issued an urgent appeal to people to take greater care on roads following the deaths of six road users in the last 24 hours.
Earlier on Friday, JOE reported that four people were killed in a three-vehicle collision in Galway on Thursday evening.
As Met Éireann has issued weather warnings for heavy rainfall and localised flooding over the weekend, Gardaí and the RSA say that “hazardous road conditions” are likely in the coming days.
A total of 92 people have died in fatal road traffic crashes to date in 2021.
This means that three more people have been killed on the road this year compared to the same period in 2020.
Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, who heads up the national Garda Roads Policing, said in a statement: “Not only has it been a horrific 24 hours on the roads, we are also seeing an increase in road deaths this year compared to the same period last year.
“Road tragedies affect all parts of the country. Every fatal or serious injury collision has a devastating impact on family, friends and communities.
“As we think of and send our sympathies to the families and friends of those who have been killed on our roads, I would ask every road user to play their part to make our roads safer and to think about their safety, and that of other road users.”
RSA CEO Sam Waide said it has been “a dark 24 hours on Irish roads”.
“Our thoughts are with the families of those who have been killed. These deaths should serve to remind us that everyone is at risk when using the roads. We are at risk at any time of the day or week,” he added.
“Life is fragile and using the roads is one of the most dangerous things we do each day, and we must never forget this.
“I would appeal to road users to slow down, drive at the right speed for the conditions, and watch out for vulnerable road users.
“Don’t drive when impaired through drink, drugs or fatigue and always wear a seatbelt and ensure passengers are wearing theirs too, no matter how short the trip.
“This advice is all the more important given the fact that Met Éireann has issued weather warnings for heavy rainfall and possible localised flooding for today and this weekend.”
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