Drivers urged to wear seatbelts (one in five drivers in crashes not wearing belt)
One in five drivers involved in crashes on Irish roads last year was not wearing a seatbelt.
Gardaí are out in force on the country's road this weekend in an effort to ensure motorists and pedestrians stay safe over the bank holiday.
The Road Safety Authority is renewing its calls for people to belt up.
Thirty-four lives have been lost on Irish roads so far this year, down seven on this time last year.
Brian Farrell from the RSA is asking drivers and passengers to remain vigilant and belt up.
"There seems to be some complacency creeping into our behaviour on the roads," he said.
"An analysis of road collisions last year shows that of the drivers who were involved in collisions in 2013, one in five was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
"A seatbelt will obviously not prevent a crash, but it will reduce the severity of your injuries if you are in a crash."
