Gardaí have appealed to road users to exercise caution over the coming Easter and May bank holiday period.
Additional checkpoints will be mounted in an effort to clamp down on speeding, drink driving and those driving using a handheld mobile phone.
Thirteen people were killed and 33 others seriously injured on roads over the Easter and May bank holiday periods of 2009 and 2010
61 people have died so far this year, an increase of six compared to the same period last year.
Speaking at Garda Headquarters today, John Twomey, Assistant Commissioner for Traffic, said it was disappointing that in spite of all the campaigns and warnings, drivers still taking chances with their lives and those of others.
"I am asking every person in Ireland that use the roads to make a commitment that they will do so safely and with care and consideration for the other people they meet along the way."
"Younger drivers in particular don't seem to appreciate the dangers of using mobile phones when driving. Talking on the phone and texting seems to be perceived by this group as a harmless pastime. Holding a phone or texting while driving distracts the driver's attention from the road and can lead to fatal consequences," he said.