Today marks World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims.

More than 160 people have lost their lives on Irish roads this year.

Events will take place around the globe and here in Ireland to remember those who have lost their lives.

Almost 24,000 people have died on Irish roads since records began in 1959.

Last year saw the first year-on-year increase in the number of road deaths in Ireland for the first time since 2005 - when 190 people lost their lives, compared to 162 in 2012.

Special memorial masses and ceremonies to remember those who have lost their lives have been taking place in counties Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Louth, Mayo, Sligo and Westmeath today.

The mother of a 24 year old man who was killed in a car crash in 2009 says she is still mourning the loss of her child.

Christina Donnelly's son Brendan had been travelling from Waterford city, to Cork airport with friends when their car was hit by a drunk driver.

She says she could not take it in, when she was told:

The Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe says drivers must double their efforts to reduce speed while on the roads:

And the Acting Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan says cutting speed is vital to save lives:

Originally posted at 7.30am