Records show a total of 38,787 people have been killed on Irish roads since records began.

A total of 23,948 people have been killed on roads in the Republic of Ireland since records began in 1959.

While 14,839 people have been killed on roads in Northern Ireland since deaths were first recorded there in 1931.

The statistics come ahead of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, to be held on Sunday November 20th.

Ceremonies are to be held to mark the day across the island.

The transport minister, Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and road safety groups are calling on road-users to join the international community to mark the day.

Transport Minister Shane Ross has welcomed the fact that people both north and south were coming together to remember all the lives lost on the island’s roads.

"Many lives have been saved and injuries prevented as a result of the collaborative work by road safety agencies on both sides of the border in recent years so it is fitting that we should come together on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims’ to remember those who have tragically died on the road and to also think of their families."

 "I would also like to acknowledge the great work done by those in the emergency services and medical professionals, on both sides of the border, who have to deal with the aftermath and consequences of collisions.

"We will be thinking of them too on Sunday and the life-saving work that they do."

"People just like you and me have lost their lives"

While Northern Ireland's Infrastructure Minister, Chris Hazzard, added:  "Across many generations thousands of families have been devastated by the heartache of road tragedy.

"Almost 15,000 people, people just like you and me, have lost their lives across the north since records began.  Many others have been seriously injured and are living with the physical and emotional scars.

 "Road safety is a continuous challenge and road deaths do not discriminate. All road users are vulnerable – every journey, every day, every road."

Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid of the Garda National Traffic Bureau said: "This Sunday gives us all an opportunity to reflect on our behaviour on the roads. An Garda Síochána is committed to working with communities and organisations to make every effort to keep our roads free from tragedy, but our biggest enemy is complacency."

 While PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: "So far this year, Police officers have visited the homes of 59 families across Northern Ireland to deliver the devastating news that one of their loved ones has been killed on our roads.

"Many more have received news of serious injuries. Behind every statistic, every news report, there are families and friends who have been affected and we must remember them."

The Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims was first held in 1993 in the United Kingdom. 

Since then it has been organised by non-governmental organisations in a number of countries.

It was created as a means to give recognition to victims of road traffic crashes and the plight of their loved ones who must cope with the emotional and practical consequences of these events.

On October 26th 2005, the United Nations adopted a resolution which calls for governments to mark the day each year.