Gardaí with the National Roads Policing Bureau have called for vigilance after a weekend of devastation on Irish roads.
Ten people lost their lives in road collisions between Thursday and Sunday last, four alone in a tragic West Donegal crash on Sunday evening.
Gardaí have said it is not appropriate to comment on recent fatal crashes which remain under investigation, but they issued a strong message for all drivers to take extreme care at all times on the roads.
Chief Superintendent Finbarr Murphy, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said the force was deeply saddened by the horrific death toll on Irish roads over the past week.
He added: “While we welcome the reduction of fatalities that we have witnessed over the past two years, events over the past week demonstrate that we cannot afford to be complacent in any manner and I appeal to all roads users to be extra vigilant – in particular on dark evenings and while using unlit or poorly lit roads.
“Be safe, be seen, be careful and be on the alert for other road users.”
Chief Supt Murphy also told motorists yesterday that gardaí would continue to target the offences which contributed most significantly to road traffic collisions, in particular drink-driving and speeding.
To date in 2019, 634 drivers have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, three of whom were arrested for drug driving offences at one checkpoint in Cavan in the past week.
In terms of speed enforcement activities, gardaí said 2,920,553 motorists have been monitored by the Safety Camera network in 2019. While the majority of drivers have been compliant, 9,343 have been detected speeding.
Ms. Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority said, “We have had a dreadful week on our roads. Ten lives lost, four alone in a single collision in Co. Donegal.
“Our deepest sympathies are not only with the families of the bereaved who have lost their loved ones over the weekend but indeed with all the families of victims of road crashes so far this year.
“While it is understandable that people will want answers following such tragedy, it is important that we allow the Gardaí conduct their investigations and not rush to judgement.
“In the meantime, I hope that this appalling loss of life will serve as a reminder to us all that life is fragile and using the roads is the most dangerous thing we do each day.
“Nobody ever believes it will happen to them but tragedy can strike anywhere at any time on the road. We need to remember this every time we set out on a journey.”
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