The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is appealing to drivers and all other road users to travel safely over the Christmas period.

"Over the coming weeks, people will be travelling on our roads to join friends and family for Christmas and the New Year. I want to appeal to them to take care on the roads and ensure they arrive at their destinations safely," commented RSA chairman, Noel Brett.

The joint RSA/Gardai Christmas road safety campaign is already in operation and this year, three specific areas are being targeted:

-Drink/drug-driving
-Speeding
-Failing to wear a seatbelt.

"Our focus remains on changing driver behaviour. We want to stop people engaging in reckless behaviour that endangers their own lives and those of other people in the community. If people choose to break the law, they will be caught," insisted assistant Garda commissioner, John Twomey.

He also made a special appeal to vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, who make up almost 40% of people killed on Irish roads.

"I would ask pedestrians and cyclists to ensure they can be seen on the roads by wearing high visibility or fluorescent clothing. Motorists also need to be conscious of both pedestrians and cyclists using the roads," he said.

However, he emphasised that all road users must take account of the dark evenings and changing weather conditions.

"Drivers should ensure that their vehicles are road worthy, that all lights are working and tyres are in good condition," assistant commissioner Twomey added.