‘Simple things can save lives’

Road safety message from An Garda Síochána

Gardaí will be out in force over the festive period in an attempt to reduce the risk of fatal and serious collisions.

“The Christmas period is one of the busiest on our roads and drivers need to be much more mindful in relation to their driving at this time. The number of people who lost their lives already on Irish roads is a cause for concern,” says Chief Superintendent for the Cavan Monaghan Louth division, Alan McGovern.

“The gardaí will be out on the roads over the Christmas period and we’re committed to reducing the number of collisions on the roads, but we appeal to people to help us do that.”

An Garda Síochána will be focusing on four-life saving offences over the coming weeks: Driving while intoxicated, driving while using a phone, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt.

From January 1 of this year, over 156,000 people were detected driving over the speed limit nationwide; over 7,500 people were arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence of either drink or drugs, over 5,500 people have been detected not wearing their seatbelts and 17,500 drivers were detected using their mobile phone while driving, the vast majority of whom had a hands free kit.

With increased road use and traffic expected between Christmas and the New Year, Chief Supt McGovern says the chances of an incident occurring are increased.

“Simple things can save lives such as putting on your lights in your car and making sure you wear your safety belt.

“Serious collision injuries can be devastating for families in the community, the after effects. Plan ahead and never drink and drive.”

The senior garda is also urging all road users and motorists in particular to pay greater attention to driving conditions over the coming weeks.

“Be mindful of the weather conditions that can make driving more difficult this time of the year, whether that be the evenings getting darker or the colder weather or the wet roads. Just be careful and factor that into your travel time.”

Chief Supt McGovern concluded by thanking the people of Cavan and beyond for their help throughout the year.

“Thank you for the support over the year of 2022 and we look forward to working together in 2023 because it is about the community.”