Gardaí doing speed checks from 7am tomorrow
An Garda Síochána are conducting a national speed enforcement operation ‘Slow Down’, supported by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and other stakeholders, for a 24-hour period from 7am on Friday April 21 to 7am on Saturday April 22.
The aim of Slow Down Day is to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding, to increase compliance with speed limits and act as a deterrent to driving at excessive or inappropriate speeds.
The overall objective is to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.
The national Slow Down Day forms part of a pan-European day of action aimed at combatting speed on the roads.
The evenings are getting longer as summer draws closer; driving conditions improve as the weather improves. It is important to remember that no matter how good the road and weather conditions are, any increase in speed will significantly increase the likelihood of being involved in a serious or fatal road traffic collision.
Last year there was an increase in fatal road traffic collisions, and 157 lives were tragically lost on the road, the largest death toll on Irish roads since 2016. So far this year there have been 52 fatalities on the roads, an increase of three on the same day last year.
Recent garda enforcement data and RSA research indicates that drivers continue to speed. During 2022, 73% of fatal collisions occurred on rural (80kmh or more) roads, and 27% on urban roads.
It has been estimated that 30% of fatal collisions are as a direct result of speeding or inappropriate speed.
Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, said: “It’s important to remember that every time we get behind the wheel, we hold the responsibility of keeping ourselves and others safe. Unfortunately, accidents and fatalities on the road are still far too common, and one of the major causes of these incidents is speeding.
“Speeding puts you at risk, and endangers the lives of others around you. Every time you speed, you increase the likelihood of losing control of your vehicle, which could lead to a serious or fatal accident. Additionally, if you are driving too fast, you might not be able to react in time to avoid an obstacle or another vehicle on the road.
“So, we must all take responsibility for our actions and drive responsibly. That means slowing down, obeying speed limits, and being aware of our surroundings. Remember, speed limits are there for a reason – to keep you and others safe.
“The consequences of speeding can be devastating, for yourself and for other innocent people on the road.
“Let’s take the initiative to make our roads safer, not only this National Slow Down Day but every day, by slowing down and making sure we are driving at a safe and appropriate speed. By doing so, we can help prevent accidents and make our communities safer for everyone.”