Gardai in Athlone are urging motorists to take care on the roads after a huge increase in the number of crashes reported in the last number of days.
Almost a dozen road traffic collisions were reported to Gardaí last weekend; much higher than would be normally expected at this time of year.
No serious injuries were reported in any of the incidents, and Gardai are urging drivers to slow down and to take account of wintry weather conditions, including slippery surfaces as well as low sun when taking to the roads.