Nearly 25 thousand people - equivalent to the population of Carlow Town - have died on Irish roads over the last 60 years.
While just under 85 thousand have been seriously injured since records began in 1977.
Events will take place across the country this weekend as part of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
Garda Chief Superintendent Michael Henebry says efforts need to continue to make the roads safer:
"When a uniform arrives at family house's door you always fear the worst.
"And quite often it is harrowing for members of An Garda Síochána but more so family members to hear the dreaded news that somebody's been hurt or possibly killed on the roads.
One house that has had to come to terms with that news is that of Michael O'Neill, whose daughter Fiona and her boyfriend were killed in a road crash just yards from their house in Monasterboice, Co Louth, 20 years ago.
"They were due to leave for Australia an hour later.
"We heard it in the house, my wife said 'there's something after happening up the road' and I ran up the road, and I could see the car."
The Road Safety Authority is urging people to watch their speed, not to use mobile phones and never drive under the influence of drink or drugs.
