The number of road deaths has fallen in Ireland every year for the last seven years, however 2013 may buck this trend if the current rate of road-related fatalities continues, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has warned.

According to the latest figures available, there have been 11 more deaths on our roads in the first five months of this year compared to the same period last year. Altogether, 75 people have lost their lives on Irish roads so far in 2013.

The highest number of deaths has occurred in Tipperary (8), followed by Galway (7) and Dublin and Kildare (6). The lowest number of deaths has occurred in Clare, Louth and Westmeath. Just one person has died in each of these counties in the first five months of this year.

An analysis of the data relating to these fatalities shows that almost eight in 10 related to a driver, passenger or motorcyclist. Furthermore, at least one in three of these deaths occurred on a Thursday or Friday.

As excessive or inappropriate speed is a big contributory factor in many road accidents, the RSA and the Gardai are appealing to people to slow down this weekend.

"Wherever you see a speed limit sign, please remember it is the maximum that you may travel at on that road, but only when conditions are perfect. When you are faced with adverse weather, road or traffic conditions, the most effective way to keep safe is to slow down and give yourself more time to adapt to all that is happening around you," commented Garda assistant commissioner, Gerard Phillips.

He reminded road users that speed limits are ‘not targets that must be achieved'.

"We are appealing to all vehicle drivers and riders to keep within the speed limits, and when necessary, slow down. The time lost by reducing your speed by five or 10 km/h on a long journey is insignificant, but the increase in road safety terms to you and all around you is very significant," he insisted.

According to RSA chief executive, Noel Brett, inappropriate or excessive speed ‘continues to be the number one killer behaviour on our roads'.

"It plays the biggest role in causing collisions and increases the severity and the outcome of a crash," he noted.

Commenting on the appeal by the RSA and the Gardai, Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, pointed out that last June bank holiday weekend, six people died on Irish roads and 12 were seriously injured.

"There is always a risk associated with driving at the weekend, but bank holiday weekends are riskier still. The roads are busier and communities will be staging festivals across the country. Many people will be cycling or walking and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable. I appeal to all road users to take extra care this June bank holiday," he said.