Sixty-four people have already lost their lives on Irish roads this year - 13 more than in the same period last year, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has warned.

It is urging people to drive safely this bank holiday weekend, especially those who may be travelling long distances to other parts of the country.

The authority noted that the recent milder weather has lead to an increase in motorcycle traffic. However this has been reflected in the number of fatal crashes involving motorcyclists.

"The number of motorcycle fatalities has doubled from three to six in the past four weeks alone. With this in mind, this bank holiday will focus in particular on motorcyclists. We ask all motorcyclists to make sure they are visible and always ride responsibly. We also ask other drivers to specifically look out for them," the RSA said.

It insisting that there will be ‘significant enforcement activity' on the roads by Gardai over the coming days

"We must reverse the increase in fatalities we are currently facing so we appeal to all road users to always concentrate 100% when on the road. For those that may be travelling for this bank holiday, we want them to do so safely, so please remember the basics of reducing speed, wearing seatbelts, never drinking and driving, being alert and concentrating fully on what you are doing," commented Assistant Garda Commissioner, Gerard Phillips.

In relation to motorcyclists, he pointed out that more than three in four fatal collisions involving motorcycles since 2011 have involved another vehicle.

"We appeal to riders to make yourself as visible as possible, always ride responsibly and take extra care especially when overtaking or lining up for a bend on the road. In addition, a motorcycle is about a third of the width of a car, so drivers must watch out for motorcyclists, especially when coming out from junctions, overtaking or changing lanes - look, look and look again for motorcycles before you move," Assistant Commisioner Phillips said.

Between 2000 and 2012, 466 motorcyclists died on Irish roads, while many more were injured. Last year alone, 16 motorcyclists and three pillion passengers were killed in road accidents.

"For a motorcyclist, the risk of dying in a traffic crash, per vehicle kilometres travelled, is about 24 times higher than it is for a car occupant. The lack of a protective shell combined with high speeds means that motorbikes will always be more exposed to risk than other road users.

"However motorcyclists can greatly reduce this risk by taking some simple precautions. For example, by investing in and wearing good personal protection equipment and ensuring that their bikes are properly maintained," Assistant Commissioner Phillips added.