Bank Holiday appeal as road deaths increase

File photo: There were three injured in this crash.

A Bank Holiday appeal for motorists and other road users to be careful has been issued by the Road Safety Authority and the gardai, writes Brian Byrne.

This is against the background of a 17pc increase in fatal collisions up to 27 May this year compared to the same period last year. Sixty people have died in 56 fatal collisions so far in 2020.

The number of pedestrian deaths has doubled, to 18 so far this year.

Motorists are asked to be aware of the increased number of pedestrians and cyclists on the roads, and pedestrians are reminded that they should walk facing oncoming traffic when there is no footpath.

There has also been an increase in the number of motorists detected driving under the influence of intoxicants.

A special roads policing enforcement campaign will be conducted countrywide through the weekend.

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