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An Garda Síochána’s Roads Policing Operation, initiated early on Thursday, 24 October 2024, has seen a concerning escalation in road traffic incidents nationwide. Tragically, three individuals have already lost their lives on Irish roads this Bank Holiday weekend, with one fatality reported in Cork, further underscoring the need for increased vigilance on the roads.
On Friday, 25 October, a 43-year-old male was fatally injured in a single-vehicle road traffic incident on the R571 in County Cork. This tragic event highlights a sharp reminder of the potential dangers on our roads, particularly during high-traffic periods. The weekend also saw additional fatalities, including a 52-year-old male pedestrian struck by an articulated truck in Dublin and a 23-year-old male killed in a single-vehicle incident in Sligo on Saturday, 26 October.
Gardaí have shared provisional statistics indicating that over 1,200 drivers have been caught exceeding the speed limit since Thursday morning. Amongst these detections, one vehicle was caught driving over 170km/h in a 120km/h zone on the M8 in Cork, operated by an L-plate driver in his 20s. Notably, this individual was uninsured and subsequently tested positive for drug use on a roadside test, leading to his arrest and a charge of dangerous driving.
In another incident in Cork on Sunday evening, shortly after 8 pm, Gardaí responded to a two-car collision on the M8. The driver of one of the vehicles, a male in his 30s, tested positive for alcohol on the roadside. This driver was subsequently arrested and faces charges of dangerous driving and other road traffic offences. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported in these incidents, though they involved 18 individuals, including children.
Superintendent James Madden of the Roads Policing Unit urged all road users to exercise caution, especially with changing weather and earlier dusk following the weekend’s daylight saving time adjustment.
Superintendent James Madden said:
“These incidents are a stark reminder of the responsibilities we bear on our roads. Speeding and driving under the influence remain two of the most dangerous behaviours on our roads, putting lives at risk. It is essential that drivers make responsible choices and adapt to conditions, especially now as winter approaches.”
In addition to excessive speeding, there have been 158 arrests nationwide for suspected intoxicated driving since Thursday. Gardaí have reinforced the message that choosing to drive under the influence poses a serious risk, not only to the driver but to all road users.
An Garda Síochána has issued a call to action for all road users to prioritise safety, reduce speed, and refrain from driving under the influence. Gardaí are urging drivers to remain vigilant and to pull over if they feel tired. With ongoing operations throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, the message is clear: safety must come first.