In an effort to keep the roads safe, Gardaí have launched a 24-hour operation targeting speeding motorists across the country. The operation, which involves deploying speed cameras and extra patrols, is part of a wider crackdown on dangerous driving and is aimed at reducing the number of accidents on Irish roads. With speeds of up to 200km/h being recorded on some roads, it’s clear that there’s a serious problem that needs to be addressed. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Garda operation and explore the implications for motorists.
An initiative led by the Irish police (Garda) and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is focused on improving road safety across the country. The 24-hour operation, named Operation Slow Down, focuses on speed enforcement and involves checks on all main roads. The campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of excessive and inappropriate speed and realizing increased compliance with the speed limits. The move forms part of a wider European-wide action day against speeding.
Operation Slow Down commenced on Friday at 7 am and continued until Saturday morning. The officers warned drivers that they will be profiling different types of speeding to demonstrate that the campaign aims are to deter driving at excessive or inappropriate speed.
According to reports from last year, there was a rise in the number of fatal crashes, with 157 people losing their lives on the roads, marking the highest death toll since 2016. In contrast, there have been 52 fatalities on the roads so far, with three more deaths recorded compared to the same period in the previous year. The police warn that drivers still speed despite hard-hitting messaging and information campaigns, and this is leading to continued roadway incidents.
The statistics from the Garda enforcement data alongside research conducted by the RSA shows that rural areas have a higher incidence of fatal collisions, with 73% of these fatalities happening on rural roads susceptible to speeds of 80km/h+. Urban roads saw the other 27% of deaths recorded. While it may not be the primary cause, inappropriate speed or speeding was attributed to 30% of serious road accidents recorded.
Chief Supt Jane Humphries, who heads up the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, commented on the start of the Slow Down Day, “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 big causes of these incidents is speeding.”
The police commentary comes following statistics highlighting that drivers across Dublin, in particular, are regarded as reckless, and the police authorities are increasing the number of patrols, specifically aimed at reckless driving in the city. It is hoped that the increased presence and Operation Slow Down can go some way in addressing the growing number of incidents.
In conclusion, it is clear that the Irish authorities are taking serious measures to address the problem of reckless driving and excessive speeding, which has led to many fatalities on the roads. While there have been concerns raised over the high numbers of fatalities since 2016, it seems that speeding remains a significant problem that governments worldwide must continue to address. The Irish police’s efforts and the RSA to conduct checks to enforce speed regulations mark a step in the right direction, but a sustained effort is required to get the message across.
