GARDAÍ ARE deploying extra resources over the weekend in an effort to reduce road-traffic incidents on what is a busy time on the roads.
Officers will man hundreds of checkpoints across the State in a similar operation to that undertaken during last weekend's St Patrick's Day holiday.
Last weekend's operation resulted in a 25 per cent increase in detected drink-driving incidents compared to the same period in 2007, according to the Garda.
"Our people are out there with the primary aim of preventing and reducing deaths on the road, not to catch people, but that may be the consequence of engaging in dangerous driving, drink-driving, speeding or not wearing a seatbelt," said Assistant Commissioner Eddie Rock.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern also urged motorists to drive with care over the Easter weekend.
His appeal came as the Road Safety Authority (RSA) released figures showing that 22 people had been killed in road-traffic incidents over the Easter period in the last five years, and a further 52 people had been seriously injured.
In a statement, Mr Ahern advised motorists not to drink and drive and to reduce speed.
"I would remind people that just one drink impairs, and this when combined with tired drivers on a long journey increases the risk of a crash significantly.
"It is okay to have a drink and enjoy the weekend, but don't take it on to the roads.
"It is a matter for individual road users to act responsibly on our roads and to take responsible decisions. By taking some simple advice we can reduce the level of road deaths and serious injuries - put your seatbelt on, observe the speed limits and never, ever drink and drive."
Echoing the bank holiday road safety appeal, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said motorists should take responsibility for their driving behaviour over Easter.
"In 2005 we had only one death and seven serious injuries compared to nine deaths in 2006 over the same period. Why can't we all think about that before we get into a car over the next few days?
"I urge everyone to slow down, belt up, don't drink and drive or drive when very tired," he said.
The RSA also warned motorists of the dangers of driving while tired. It referred to research showing that one-in-five driver deaths in Ireland may have occurred as a result of driver fatigue. "Many people are simply unaware of the risks involved when tired. The reality is, driving while tired affects your ability to react to hazards and, in some cases, can be fatal," said RSA chief executive Noel Brett.
He advised drivers who are feeling tired to stop and drink coffee or other invigorating beverages and take a 15-minute nap before resuming their journey.