The Road Safety Authority has renewed its appeal to the public to take care on the roads after several tragic road accidents this weekend.
According to gardai, six people have died in car crashes on the road since Friday, including a man in his 60's who died in a crash in Cork, two motorcyclists who died on the M50, a male motorcyclist who was killed in a Kilkenny crash, and today, two men died after a three-car collision in Sligo.
A total of three motorcyclists have died this weekend alone, bringing the total number of bikers killed to 17 in 2022 so far in Ireland.
READ MORE: Two people killed in three-car collision in Co. Sligo as gardai close road overnight
In a statement released this evening, the RSA pleaded with the public to be incredibly careful on the busy Bank Holiday Monday roads and to expect walkers, cyclists, and motorcyclists to be out.
“Tomorrow, Bank Holiday Monday the roads will be busy with many returning after a short break. Drivers should expect to encounter walkers, cyclists, and motorcyclists,” the statement said.
“The RSA is therefore urging drivers to slow down, look out for vulnerable road users, and don’t forget to take breaks on your journey to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.”
The RSA has also urged drivers to watch out for motorcyclists at junctions, intersections, and in their blind spots.
Meanwhile, motorcyclists are being reminded that they have less protection than a car driver in the event of an accident and to always wear proper personal protective equipment and ease off the throttle.
As of today, 76 people have been killed on the road in 2022.
On Saturday gardai released a statement, asking the public to take care on Irish roads and said: “Since Thursday 2nd June 2022 An Garda Síochána and other Emergency Services have dealt with a significant number of Fatal Incidents across the country.
“These tragic incidents have left behind grieving families and friends on a Bank Holiday Weekend which should be full of fun and enjoyment.
“All incidents remain under appropriate investigation and will ultimately result in files for the local Coroner.
Speaking this morning Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, with responsibility for Roads Policing and Community Engagement has appealed: “In the last 72 hours my colleagues in An Garda Síochána and in the other Emergency Services across the country have responded to a number of tragic fatal incidents. Too many families have suffered trauma already this weekend.’
“No matter what activity you are taking part in this weekend to please take care. Please ensure that you are following all the appropriate safety advice.
“If you are travelling on our roads I appeal to drivers ‘please slow down’ and ask all road users to take care over the remaining days of this Bank Holiday Weekend.”
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