Over the March Bank Holiday, a Garda operation was put in place between 7am on Thursday, 16th March 2023 and 7am on Tuesday, 21st March 2023.
There were no fatal collisions on our roads over this period, however 12 serious collisions took place that resulted in 17 serious and life-threatening injuries. While this was a small positive step towards reducing fatal road traffic collision on our roads, to date 41 persons have died on our roads in 2023, this is one more fatality than 2022 and 3 fatalities over the same period in 2019.
Over the March Bank Holiday period, An Garda Síochána carried out 678 checkpoints.
196 persons were arrested for driving under the influence (136 alcohol/ 60 drugs).
In excess of 1800 drivers were detected for driving in excess of the applicable speed limit. During this period, Go-Safe checked the speed of 456,287 vehicles.
Fixed Charge Offences for other road offences during this period included:
- Mobile Phones – 152
- Unaccompanied learner drivers – 99
- Seatbelts – 55
In addition, 379 vehicles were detained under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act for offences such as Unaccompanied Learner Driver, NO Driving Licence, NO Insurance and NO Tax.
Notable top speeds detected in each speed zone are:
- 97km/h in a 50km/h zone on the R711 Dock Road, Waterford, Co. Waterford
- 111km/h in a 60 km/h zone on the R154 Batterjohn, Trim, Co. Meath
- 123km/h in an 80 km/h zone on the R108 Pickardstown, Swords, Co. Dublin
- 164km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the N52 Killynan, Cloghan, Co. Westmeath
- 181km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the M8 Clonmore South, Cahir, Co. Tipperary
Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement said:
"We are certainly relieved there was no loss of life on our roads over the St. Patrick’s weekend this year. We are, however, very mindful there were twelve serious injury road traffic collisions and of the impact they have had on both the individuals involved and their families.”
"As is reflected in the number of checkpoints, detections and arrests over the weekend, An Garda Síochána remains committed to ensuring compliance with road traffic legislation to improve safety on our roads.”
"We are committed to our work with the Road Safety Authority and partners to deliver Vision Zero on our roads.”
An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all road users to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, to slow down and to always choose a speed that is appropriate to the driving conditions.
