AN Garda Siochana has confirmed that 11 of the 41 people killed on our roads this year were pedestrians.

The information was released as part of a general warning to all motorists ahead of the Easter weekend that 'we all share responsibility for making our roads safer.'

An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority issued the appeal for greater care on our roads as many will be travelling to visit family and loved ones over the Easter weekend.

Gardaí also wish to advise that they have a Road Safety Campaign in place that started at 7am this morning​, and will run until 7am on Tuesday.

Every member of An Garda Síochána on-duty this long weekend will be out conducting road traffic enforcement activity, but a spokesman for An Garda Siochana said: 'They need the public’s help.'

As part of the campaign, gardaí are placing a particular emphasis on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A spokesperson told The Southern Star: 'There is no point that is safe or acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having an intoxicant like alcohol or drugs.'

He also warned that those walking home, or cycling​, under the influence of alcohol or drugs can put themselves and other road users at risk.

An Garda Síochána is urging road users to take extra caution around vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians.

'As the evenings become brighter and the weather improves, pedestrians and cyclists are taking advantage of our road network,' said the spokesman.

In 20225, there was an increase of 24% in pedestrian road deaths compared to the previous year. Last year, the majority of the 41 pedestrian fatalities occurred on lower speed roads of 60km/h or less. And more than one third of pedestrians were crossing the road at the time of the fatal collision.

The figures also show that 1-in-4 of the pedestrians killed were older people, while young people under the age of 25 accounted for 30% of seriously injured pedestrians in 2025.

Close to half of pedestrians were killed between 4pm and midnight, while a quarter of pedestrians were seriously injured between 4pm and 7pm.

Motorists are reminded to always drive within the speed limit and to watch out for vulnerable road users; to always wear a seatbelt and never use a mobile phone when driving; and to keep distractions out of the vehicle and put your full attention on the road.

And gardaí say it is vital that cyclists and pedestrians 'make themselves as visible as possible and be alert to their surroundings at all times.'

Chief Superintendent, David Harrington of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said: 'The Easter Bank Holiday weekend is another very busy period on Irish roads.

'Every garda who is on duty this weekend will do all that they can to ensure that road users are safe and that those who break road traffic laws will be detected.'

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Sean Canney, said: 'My message is a simple one: nothing is more important on our roads than behaving responsibly to safeguard the lives of others.

'There will be a high volume of traffic this weekend and if you are walking I urge you to be vigilant. Be aware that there may be more cars on the roads, be aware of your surroundings, use designated pedestrian crossings, choose well-lit roads where possible and if walking at night-time wear high visibility clothing or use lights to help you be seen.'