During the special enforcement initiative over the August bank holiday weekend, the Gardaí apprehended over 900 speeding drivers, among them, individuals clocked at more than double the permitted limit. Since the launch of the operation on Thursday, arrests related to drunk and drug-impacted driving totalled 127, while instances of speeding were recorded at 946, figures that echoed those seen on the same operation the previous year.
The previous year’s six-day operation had heralded 196 arrests for drink and drug driving, as well as 1,143 speeding detections. Among this weekend’s incidences, one motorist traversed Seapoint Promenade in Co Galway at 105km/h in a 50km/h area, and another drove the R188 at Drumnagran, Cootehill, Co Cavan at over twice the speed limit, 161km/h within an 80km/h region.
Insp Peter Gilsenan, addressing from a Garda checkpoint on the outskirts of Navan, Co Meath, on Monday morning, noted that while there was a general observance of road rules, some drivers continued to engage in perilous behaviours, notwithstanding an increase in road fatalities this year and the frequent broadcast of safety warnings. He identified problems with individuals driving at perilous speeds, or under the influence of substances.
“No matter if there’s a road safety operation or not, our advice remains the same; slow down, avoid using your phone whilst driving, and abstain from driving when intoxicated, for the safety of all involved,” he stated. He noted that while drink driving was particularly prevalent among 45-55 year-olds and drug-related driving was more common amongst young drivers, these issues was observable in all age brackets.
Describing a scenario of a vehicle caught speeding in Galway over the weekend, clocked at more than double the legal speed limit, Insp Gilsenan claimed it was “incredibly terrifying for fellow road users”.
In the words of Insp Gilsenan, speeding continues to be the main issue plaguing our roads, as reported by the Garda. However, substantial problems persist with drivers under the influence and the act of using mobile phones while at the wheel.
Detected incidents of drug-driving are now nearly equalling those of drink-driving, the inspector noted. While younger drivers between the ages of 20 to 30 have been particularly singled out, older motorists have also been found to test positive for drugs during roadside checks.
There has also been a worrying 8 per cent increase in the number of drivers caught using their mobile phones on the road in 2024 compared to the previous year. This is a serious concern, considering the heightened risk involved with distracted driving, often compounded by high speed.
The roads of the Republic have witnessed a total of 115 deaths so far this year, up by 12 from those in 2023.
In related news, a horrendous accident in northern Co Sligo led to the unfortunate death of primary school teacher, 28-year-old James McNeive from Knock, Co Mayo. The ill-fated van he was driving crashed into a lorry this past Sunday.
There was another loss on Sunday when a cyclist, without any other vehicles involved, was tragically killed in a collision in Ticknock, south of Co Dublin.