A former Fianna Fail TD for Cavan-Monaghan is encouraging people to be safe on the roads, particularly over this festive season.
184 people have been killed in road crashes so far in 2025, 17 more than this time last year.
Margaret Conlon says the next number of days will be a peak time for festive travel, going to be more Gardai checkpoints between now and the New Year.
The former TD and school principal says it's important that people are aware that vehicles can be "dangerous" and "lethal" weapons.
Speaking to Northern Sound, she advised motorists to slow down, take your time and leave early for any journeys to ensure that you arrive alive.
Margaret Conlon told Northern Sound: " When each and every one of us sits in our cars, we must be mindful that we are in a dangerous and lethal weapon.
Our actions could have a bearing on road traffic collisions.
"Everyone is rushing this time of year, people must slow down, take your time and leave early for a journey to ensure that you arrive alive.
"If you are driving a vehicle your total focus should be on the road. That focus is hindered by driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and also by using a mobile phone device while driving. The last thing anyone wants is a knock on the door when members of An Garda Siochana come to deliver bad news."
