Operation Slow Down

Operation Slow DownFrom 7am on Friday July 6 to 7am on Saturday July 7, An Garda Síochána, along with other stakeholders, will run Operation Slow Down.The objectives are to raise awareness of the dangers of inappropriate and excessive speed, reduce the number of speed related collisions, and therefore save lives and reduce injuries on the roads.For the last six years, there has been a year on year decrease in the number of road fatalities in Ireland. As we move into the second half of 2012, there have been four more fatalities on our roads than at this time last year (as at 1.30pm on July 4).Based on collision data Fridays and Saturdays have the highest proportion of fatal collisions. Allied to this, July and August tend to have the greatest number of fatal collisions month on month.Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan, in co-operation with other stakeholders nationwide including the Road Safety Authority, National Roads Authority, National Transport Authority, Health and Safety Authority and local authorities, is appealing to the public to slow down and save livesCommissioner Callinan said: "A speed limit is defined as the maximum that you may travel on any road, when conditions are perfect. It is not a target. When you are faced with adverse weather, road or traffic conditions, the most effective way to keep safe is to slow down and give yourself more time to adapt to all that is happening around you."We are appealing to all vehicle drivers to keep within the speed limits, and when necessary, slow down. The time lost by reducing your speed by 5 or 10kmh on a long journey is insignificant, but the increase in road safety terms to you and all around you is very significant."Each garda division will have an area where members will be available to give road safety advice and distribute leaflets. Garda members who are not responding to emergency calls will be leading by example - reducing their speed, and driving at speeds appropriate to the prevailing conditions.There will be highly visible speed checkpoints on national primary and secondary roads, carried out by local members and the Garda Traffic Corps, and also by GoSafe vans.