Ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority are urging all road users to take extra care and support efforts to keep everyone safe on the roads.
With many people planning to travel and spend time with family and friends, an increase in traffic is expected over the weekend.
To help ensure that everyone using Irish roads this weekend remains safe, a Garda Road Safety Campaign will be in place. It got underway at 7am this morning and will run until 7am on Tuesday, 7th April 2026.
Every member of An Garda Síochána on-duty this long weekend will be out conducting road traffic enforcement activity but they need the public’s help.
Gardaí will be placing a particular emphasis on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs this weekend. At no point is it safe or acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having an intoxicant like alcohol or drugs.
Walking home or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also put you and other road users at risk.
An Garda Síochána is urging road users to take extra caution around vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians. As the evenings become brighter and the weather improves, pedestrians and cyclists are taking advantage of our road network.
2025 saw an increase of 24% in pedestrian road deaths compared to the previous year, with year-to-date figures currently in line with last year.
In 2025, the majority of the 41 pedestrian fatalities occurred on lower speed roads (60km/h or less). Over a third of pedestrians were crossing the road at the time of the fatal collision.
1-in-4 of the pedestrians killed were older people, while young people under the age of 25 accounted for 30% of seriously injured pedestrians in 2025.
Close to half of pedestrians were killed between 4pm and midnight, while a quarter of pedestrians were seriously injured between 4pm and 7pm.
Motorists are reminded to always drive within the speed limit and to watch out for vulnerable road users. Always wear a seatbelt and never use a mobile phone when driving. Keep distractions out of the vehicle and put your full attention on the road.
Cyclists and pedestrians should stay visible and observe their surroundings at all times.
Chief Superintendent, David Harrington of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said: “The Easter Bank Holiday weekend is another very busy period on Irish roads, and a lot of people will be on the move this week with schools off for the Easter break.
“Every Garda who is on duty this weekend will do all that they can to ensure that road users are safe and that those who break road traffic laws are detected.
“The issues on our roads at present require the attention of every single person. Every driver is responsible for their own driving behaviour – there is no excuse whatsoever to get behind the wheel of a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Keep your attention on the road – there is no valid reason to drive while distracted by your phone.
“We are seeing an increase in pedestrian deaths on our roads and we want to ensure all road users are kept safe. Pedestrians and motorists should be visible and alert to their surroundings. Eliminate distractions and make responsible decisions to ensure everyone gets home safe this weekend.”
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Sean Canney, said: “As we head into the Easter weekend, my message is a simple one: nothing is more important on our roads than behaving responsibly to safeguard the lives of others. As drivers we must be mindful that we share the road with pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. In recent years we have seen an increase in the number of pedestrians tragically killed on our roads and I appeal to all road users but, in particular drivers, to behave responsibly and to make the right choices this Easter weekend. This means – not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, putting mobile phones and other distractions away and not speeding. By choosing to behave responsibly we are protecting our children, our families, our friends who all share our roads.
“There will be a high volume of traffic this weekend and if you are walking I urge you to be vigilant. Be aware that there may be more cars on the roads, be aware of your surroundings, use designated pedestrian crossings, choose well-lit roads where possible and if walking at night-time wear high visibility clothing or use lights to help you be seen.
“Last year 41 pedestrians died on our roads. Tragically in 2026 this trend is continuing. Every road user is entitled to feel safe and I urge all road users to make responsible decisions this weekend.”
Alison Coleman, Director of People Development and Culture at the RSA, said: “Whether we are walking to school or work, to the shops, or home after a night out, we are all pedestrians at some point every day and safety matters to every one of us. It means using pedestrian crossings where possible and, on rural roads, walking on the right-hand side and wearing hi-visibility clothing and using a torch at night.
“As drivers, we have a key role to play in protecting pedestrians by driving responsibly and watching out for people walking on or beside our roads. There have been a high number of pedestrian fatalities this year, with 11 of the 41 people killed on our roads to date being pedestrians. That is a stark reminder that we all share responsibility for making our roads safer.”
