Road campaign urges drivers to 'arrive alive'

"Heed your speed and arrive alive!" is the message from the National Safety Council's June bank holiday road safety campaign.

At the launch of the "Arrive Alive" campaign, Mr Pat Costello, Chief Executive of the National Safety Council, said: "If you think speeding will get you to your destination quicker you are mistaken."If you really want to make some savings this weekend, slow down, you might just save the life of a friend, a loved one or even your own," he added.

Last year five people were killed in fatal road collisions over the June bank holiday weekend. Speed is considered the single biggest factor in the level of road deaths in Ireland.

Gardaí will begin Operation Taisteal at midnight on Thursday May 29th until Monday June 2nd.

The focus of the operation will be to detect speeders, drink-drivers and people not wearing seatbelts.

For those intending to travel by road over the bank holiday weekend the National Road Safety Council issues the following advice:

Always drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions and circumstances

Never ever drink and drive

Wear a seat belt and ensure all passengers are wearing theirs too

Plan your journey in advance and set off as early to avoid heavy traffic

Take frequent breaks to avoid driver fatigue

Be extra careful especially if driving on unfamiliar roads