Motorists are being urged to take care on the roads during the New Year period.

178 people have died on Irish roads so far this year with eight of these deaths taking place since Christmas day.

Garda National Roads Policing Bureau Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries has appealed to motorists to drive carefully.

“To all of those who will be taken to the roads over the new year period, perhaps you're returning home, perhaps you're getting ready to return to work next week, our message is simple that we would like you to slow down, to take extra care, and to give your driving your full attention,” she said.

Drink driving

Gardaí are also urging people to not get into a car with a drunk driver.

“What I would ask is, especially passengers of who are getting into vehicles where you know the driver is under the influence that you need to call them out,” Chief Superintendent Humphries said.

“You need to say to them that you should not be driving because they're taking your life in their hands, and you're actually giving them permission to do that by getting into the car with them.”

74 people were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol this past weekend.

Gardaí speak to motorists at a Garda checkpoint. 14/03/2022 Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin