National 'Slow Down' day planned
The operation will consist of high visibility speed enforcement in 1322 speed enforcement zones
An Garda Síochána will conduct a national speed enforcement operation "Slow Down” for a 24 hour period this coming weekend.
Supported by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and other stakeholders, the 'Slow Down' will be in force from 7am on Friday, March 26 until 7am on Saturday, March 27.
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 speed.
The operation will consist of high visibility speed enforcement in 1322 speed enforcement zones, and via a message delivered through various media channels to remind people of the potential impact on families and communities of speeding.
In the period January - December 2020 there were 137 fatal collisions resulting in 148 fatalities on Irish roads.
When An Garda Síochána last held a National Slow Down Day last December, a driver caught speeding at 71km/h in a 50km/h Zone on the R162 Lisanisky, Kingscourt. Another was spotted travelling at 123km/h in a 100km/h Zone on the N3 at Lavey, Stradone.
Excessive and inappropriate speed is a major contributory factor in road traffic collisions, an RSA report on fatal collisions between 2008 and 2012 has found. Excessive speed was a contributory factor in almost one third of all fatal collisions during that time.
Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon Roads Policing Bureau said that during the current COVID-19 restrictions An Garda Siochana have seen an increase in the number of vulnerable users on the nation's roads. Despite reduced volumes of traffic on our roads the levels of speed has also increased.
“We are asking all drivers to support our National "Slow Down” day and not exceed the posted speed limit. It is vital that you adjust your speed to all the road, traffic and weather conditions which prevail at any given time. It goes without saying this is not only for one day, but for every day. We will continue to maintain our focus on non-compliant drivers as they pose a risk to themselves and other road users,” said Supt McMahon.