Road deaths rise as Garda operation detects speeding offences in Limerick
GARDAÍ have detected significant speeding offences on two Limerick roads during the October Bank Holiday roads policing operation, as the national road death toll this year stands at 153.
The Garda Roads Policing operation, which includes Mandatory Intoxicant Testing checkpoints and high-visibility patrols nationwide, was launched ahead of the October Bank Holiday weekend.
Among the offences detected, a vehicle was recorded travelling at 121km/h in an 80km/h zone on the R520 in Newcastle West, while another was detected travelling at 139km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N18 at Ballinacurra Weston.
The operation comes after two people died in separate fatal road collisions over the Bank Holiday weekend, bringing the total number of fatalities on Irish roads this year to 153.
Over 2,311 drivers were detected for speeding offences during the first three days of the operation.
A total of 77 people have been arrested to date under this operation for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. More than 250 drivers were detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.
An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority are urging all road users to support their efforts to keep people safe on the roads this October bank holiday weekend. They are asking road users to be mindful around vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians and cyclists.
Gardaí warn, “Slow down and adhere to the speed limit. Never drive under the influence of drink or drugs. Wear your seatbelt and don’t get distracted by mobile devices when you are driving.”
The Garda Roads Policing operation continued throughout the bank holiday weekend until Tuesday, October 27.
“All road users have a part to play in people arriving at their destination safely this weekend.”