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As thousands of people begin their Christmas journeys home this weekend, An Garda Síochána has launched a 24-hour nationwide speed enforcement operation in partnership with the Road Safety Authority (RSA). This initiative, the final National Slow Down Day of the year, commenced at 7am this morning and aims to encourage safer driving habits during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau emphasised the importance of reducing speed and adopting safe driving behaviours:
“Thousands of you will begin making your journey home from today, and while Gardaí will be out working to keep road users safe, we need your help. We need you to slow down and drive safely. National Slow Down Day is aimed at getting people to talk about and be more mindful of their driving behaviour. No one sets out driving thinking that they won’t make it to their destination, but if you are speeding, there is every chance you won’t. We need you to help us, help you to get home safely for Christmas.”
The Dangers of Speeding
Speed remains a leading factor in fatal road collisions. Statistics show that a pedestrian struck by a vehicle travelling at 30km/h has a 1 in 10 chance of dying. This risk increases dramatically to 5 in 10 at 50km/h and 9 in 10 at 60km/h. Already this year, over 150,000 Fixed Charge Notices have been issued for speeding offences.
Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, highlighted the persistent issue of speeding:
“It is clear speeding continues to play a significant role in fatal collisions on Irish roads. Self-reported speeding behaviours and acceptability of speeding have been consistently high since 2020 and have yet to return to pre-COVID levels. Our most recent analysis of coronial data for driver deaths found that 26% of drivers with a record of their actions available were exceeding a safe speed in the lead-up to the fatal crash.”
Taoiseach Simon Harris Appeals for Road Safety
This year, 167 lives have been lost on Irish roads—a tragic figure that includes 67 drivers, 36 passengers, and 33 pedestrians. Taoiseach Simon Harris urged all road users to prioritise safety:
“One road fatality is one too many. Sadly, there are too many dinner tables this Christmas that will have an empty seat. As many people travel across the country in the coming days, I am urging drivers to take extra care on the roads and to prioritise safety when travelling to reunite with family and friends. Obey speed limits, wear seatbelts, and avoid distractions such as mobile phones. Pedestrians and cyclists should also take precautions by wearing high-visibility clothing and helmets.”
Compliance and Early Results
In the first five hours of National Slow Down Day, GoSafe vans checked the speeds of 35,802 vehicles, detecting 75 vehicles exceeding the applicable speed limit. Examples of high speeds recorded include:
- 67km/h in a 50km/h zone on the R188 in Monaghan
- 122km/h in an 80km/h zone on the R680 in Waterford
- 136km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N18 in Limerick
An Garda Síochána expressed gratitude to the majority of drivers for their compliance but reminded motorists of the importance of adhering to speed limits to save lives and reduce injuries on the roads.
A Shared Responsibility
With increased road traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists expected over the weekend, authorities are calling for a collective effort to make the roads safer. Conversations about safe driving, speed awareness, and road safety should be held regularly among families, friends, and colleagues—not just in the aftermath of a tragedy.
Road safety is a shared responsibility. By reducing speed, staying alert, and respecting all road users, everyone can help ensure a safer holiday season for all.