Memorials services are being held around the country today to remember the 22,646 lives that have been lost on Irish roads since the recording of road deaths began in 1959.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) joined forces with Road Safety Officers, Emergency Services and members of An Garda Síochána to mark the World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims which is being commemorated across the world today.
More than 1,000 people attended a ceremony at Knock shrine.
The day was first celebrated in 1993 and has been observed and promoted worldwide by several non-governmental organisation since then, including RoadPeace, the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) and the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR) and associated organisations.
Mr Gay Byrne, Chairman, Road Safety Authority said the day should serve as a reminder to us all of just how vulnerable we are on the roads: "This Sunday, 'World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims' allows us to remember those whose lives have been tragically lost on our roads, and the families who have been devastated by their loss."
“However, the most poignant point is that these deaths, the devastation and trauma could have been prevented. To those who have not yet changed their behaviour and taken responsibility for their actions on the roads I make a personal plea to you, to reflect on the risks you take and the risk you force on others," he said.
"To those in a position to shape and implement lifesaving policies, I ask you to take practical actions that save lives and prevent injuries. The Irish public depend on you to show leadership and act in the interest of the greater good. There is no room for procrastination when dealing with peoples live.”
Activity is taking place across the country to mark ‘World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims’ which has been organised by local Road Safety Officers supported by the Road Safety Authority.