During the recent bank holiday weekend, “exceptionally hazardous driving” resulted in more than 2,600 drivers being nabbed for exceeding speed limits across the country, says An Garda Síochána. In one case, a driver was found driving nearly 200km/h, which is far over the regulated limit.
The casualties of the weekend’s negligent driving were horrific, with three people losing their lives on the road. A total of 13 serious accidents resulted in grave, life-endangering injuries. Compared to 2023’s tally at the same time, fatalities have tragically increased by 16, making a total of 58 road deaths in Ireland so far this year.
During the Easter bank holiday’s road safety enforcement campaign, between Thursday and Tuesday morning, speeding offences were registered against a staggering 2,630+ drivers. Instances included a driver who was recorded at an alarming 193km/h in a 120km/h permitted zone on the M1 at Bellewstown, Co Meath. Another was driving at a speed of 126km/h which is grossly in excess of the 50km/h limit on the Tonglee Road in Dublin 5.
There were 177 individuals taken into custody during the weekend on charges of intoxicated driving, out of over 5,000 roadside drug and alcohol inspections. Surprisingly, over 25% of these arrests were made between the hours of 8am and 2pm. From Monday 7am to Tuesday 7am, a further 36 people were detained on suspicion of driving while under the influence.
Disconcertingly, more than 220 drivers were spotted using their mobile phones whilst driving, with another 77 drivers caught not adhering to the mandatory seatbelt rule.
At present, “all individuals” need to attend to the issues on Irish roads, urged Jane Humphries, Chief Superintendent of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau. She asserted that the extremely hazardous driving behaviour observed needed to come to a halt, and urged everyone to slow down, exercise patience and be considerate whilst driving. Responsible conduct when driving ensures personal and fellow road-user safety, she concluded.