Drivers urged to slow down over weekend

MOTORISTS have been urged to slow down and drive safely during the festival weekend.

There has been a dramatic reduction in road deaths this year but the National Safety Council is concerned drivers will speed this weekend as the number of cars on the road increases.

Since November 1, 56 fewer people have died on the roads compared to the same time last year.

St Patrick's weekend will see record numbers on the roads and the forecast for sunny weather is likely to increase traffic congestion.

Last year, eight people were killed in road accidents during the same holiday weekend.

"Bank holidays are a high-risk period for road crashes due to increased traffic, unforeseen hold-ups and consequent frustration, dangerous overtaking, excessive and inappropriate speeding," NSC chief executive Pat Costello said.

The NSC is particularly worried about drunk driving over the weekend.

"Alcohol misuse is a priority area for attention, together with an absolute necessity for seat belts to be worn by everybody in the vehicle, for every journey short or long," Mr Costello said.

The call to slow down was backed by Transport Minister Séamus Brennan who warned that the penalty points system will catch speeding drivers.

"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 said.

The Automobile Association (AA) has warned that a high number of garda speeding check points must be maintained.

Meanwhile, a man in his early 50s was killed and another seriously injured in a car crash in Co Cavan on Wednesday night.

The single-vehicle incident happened on the N3 at Stradone between Cavan town and Virginia at 8.40pm.