GARDAÍ ARE URGING motorists to take care on the roads over the bank holiday weekend.

Last year, four people were killed on Irish roads over the bank holiday weekend and nine others were seriously injured.

Gardaí are calling on people to reduce their speed, always wear seatbelts and make sure they are well-rested before setting out on a journey.

They are also sending a general message reminding people to never drink and drive and say motorists should drive according to road conditions at the time. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists should all also take due care on the roads.

“We must be mindful that any mistake on the road can lead to very serious consequences for all involved,” Assistant Garda Commissioner John O’Mahoney said.

Given the volume of traffic expected on the roads this weekend, O’Mahoney says anyone travelling should expect their journey time to increase:

We therefore appeal to all that are travelling on long distances to leave in plenty of time, plan their route, take their time and be well rested before setting out on their journey.

As we have seen recently, weather conditions can deteriorate significantly. Please reflect this in your driving. Slowing down is the safest way to deal with any weather or road hazard.

Noel Brett, CEO of the Road Safety Authority, also urged people to take care on the roads to prevent further suffering through loss of life:

Take care on the road, if you are driving wear your seatbelt, slow down and never ever drink and drive. Watch out for motorcyclists, cyclists and people out walking on the road. In particular, I would appeal to drivers to allow plenty of space when overtaking or passing cyclists on the road. Of course motorcyclists, cyclists and walkers should stay safe by wearing a high visibility jacket.