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27th June 2017
11:20am BST
Motorists and cyclists are urged to "take care" on Irish roads during the high risk months of July and August.
An Garda Siochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have released a new campaign to warn drivers of the increased dangers of the roads in the summer months.
Last year, 21 people died on the roads in July, the highest number of any one month.
Talking on RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland, Garda Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid said that July and August have a noticeably higher amount of road deaths over the past five year.
"Schools are off, so children are out playing more," he said.
"You have a lot of farm activity and there have been some significant injuries and collisions involving farm machinery.
"You also have millions of tourists and holiday makers, big sporting events; all of these activities make this time of year a particularly vulnerable one."
Cyclists are also warned to be careful, after a total of 11 cyclists have died so far this year, compared to 10 for all of 2016.
"What are particularly concerning to us at the moment are pedal cyclists. There’s a responsibility to all drivers to allow sufficient space for cyclists," Reid added.
"Pedal cyclists also have a responsibility to make themselves be seen, wear a helmet and wear a high-visibility jacket."
People are also reminded to never, ever, drink and drive.
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