Gardaí have issued a stern road safety warning to motorists in Donegal, ahead of an upcoming National Slow Down Day at the start of next week.
The day of action from Gardaí comes after four people have tragically lost their lives in separate road traffic incidents in Donegal in a week.
Last Saturday night two cousins died in a single-vehicle crash at Cross, Quigley’s Point. 16-year-old Kian Dawson died at the scene, and his 20-year-old cousin Eoghan died in hospital days later.
An 87-year-old woman died after a two-car crash at Inver last Sunday morning.
An Austrian national has been charged with dangerous driving following the death of the popular Ms Elizabeth Cave in the accident.
And on Friday afternoon, a woman in her 80s died after a lorry hit her in St Johnston.
Patricia McBrearty died just yards from her home in the collision which took place on Church Street.
Gardaí are holding the National Slow Down Day between Monday the 2nd and Tuesday the 3rd of September, as Summer comes to an end and schools return nationwide.
They say this day of action will focus on protecting the additional vulnerable road users that will be out with schools coming back; children who are walking on foot or cycling, as well as school buses dropping and collecting school children.
Gardaí say that over 70,000 fixed charge penalty notices for speeding had been issued in the first six months of 2024 – an average of 375 per day.
“Speeding not only puts you at risk but also endangers the lives of others around you,” Gardaí said in a statement.
“Every time you speed, there is an increase in the likelihood of losing control of your vehicle, which could lead to a serious or fatal accident.”
“The consequences of speeding can be devastating, not only for yourself but for other innocent people on the road.”
