A 24-hour Garda speed enforcement operation supported by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is currently underway.
From 7am this morning, Gardaí have been conducting checks on all main roads.
The campaign forms part of a pan-European day of action aimed at combating speeding on the roads.
Last year saw an increase in fatal road crashes in the State, with 157 being killed on the roads, the largest toll since 2016. So far this year, there have been 52 deaths on the roads, an increase of three on the same day last year.
Operation Slow Down is aimed at reminding drivers of the dangers of speeding and to increase compliance with speed limits.
“Our most recent data indicates that drivers continue to speed,” a garda spokesperson said.
In 2022, 73% of fatal collisions occurred on rural (80km/h or more) roads, and an estimated 30% of all fatal collisions were due to speeding or inappropriate speed.
Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, said: “As we all hit the road, 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 not only puts you at risk but also 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.”
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