Provisional garda statistics show that 107 people have been killed in fatal road traffic collisions to date this year compared to 111 for the same period last year. However, eight more people died last month than May of 2008.
The figures also show an increasing number of road deaths occurring in the early hours of the morning with 15 coming between the hours of 6 and 8am. Last year the figure stood at 7.
A garda spokesman said a combination of factors including excessive and inappropriate speeds and tiredness are to blame for the increase.
He said certain roads throughout the State have been identified as having the greatest propensity for speed related collisions and that gardaí will concentrate enforcement in these areas.
