The Junior Transport Minister says Ireland's road safety record this year has been "shocking."
Jack Chambers was speaking at a press conference where he, Gardaí and the RSA all called for care on the roads over the Bank Holiday.
The Road Safety Authority data shows three people were killed on Irish roads over the October Bank Holiday in 2022.
To date, 38 of the 154 fatalities on our roads have been pedestrians in 2023.
It's estimated that by the end of the year we could see this number rise, making it the highest figure in 15 years.
Today the groups said the winter months are particularly dangerous for pedestrians.
Minister of State for Transport Jack Chambers says this year has seen a "reversal" of progress made on road safety.
Deputy Chambers also said driver distraction is a topic that's being researched at the moment.
"There's been an issue with driver distraction," he said.
Clocks Go Back
Garda Assistant Commissioner, Paula Hilman with the Roads Policing Unit is reminding everyone of the time change this weekend.
"The clocks are going back, it's getting darker earlier."
AC Hilman said half of pedestrian deaths last year happened in the last three months of the year.
"So we know we're moving into those higher risk periods."
Pedestrians on the roads this weekend are asked to ensure they're visible and wearing reflective gear.
