Some 20 people had died in Northern Ireland in road collisions by March 31st, compared to 10 by the same date in 2025.

Ireland was one of only three EU countries to experience a deteriorating road safety record between 2019 and 2024.

Official figures indicate that just 1.3 per cent of all holders of driving licences in the Republic are tested for drink driving at roadside checkpoints each year

Ahead of the national holiday, drivers and all other road users are being reminded to plan ahead and organise a safe way home if socialising over the coming days.

Motorists are urged to take extra care and time to complete their journey over the Christmas period.

For every pedestrian fatality, there were approximately nine serious injuries.

Labour TD for Tipperary Alan Kelly said local authorities are under pressure, but there were significant routes that had been “absolutely destroyed” due to weather