A driver was caught speeding 55km/h over the limit in Dublin today as drivers are urged to slow down over the Christmas weekend.
National Slow Down Day highlights the dangers of speeding with an aim of increasing compliance with speed limits, and deterring motorists from driving at an excessive or inappropriate speed.
The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of serious road traffic collisions this Christmas and New Year period in particular.
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To date, 156 people have lost their lives on Irish roads this year, which is 28 more than on this day last year.
There has been some 1,172 serious collisions resulting in injury, often life altering.
In the first 2 hours of the 24-hour National Slow Down Day, GoSafe checked the speed of 19,246 vehicles and detected 153 vehicles travelling in excess of the applicable speed limit.
Examples of motorists putting themselves and others at risk include:
- 88km/h in a 50km/h Zone on the Coolock Lane Dublin17 Dublin
- 135km/h in a 80km/h Zone on the N4 Ballydowd Lucan Dublin
- 76km/h in a 50km/h Zone on the N6 Baile An Phoill Gaillimh Gaillimh
- 132km/h in a 100km/h Zone on the N4 Greatdown The Downs Westmeath
- 75km/h in a 60km/h Zone on the Clones Road Monaghan Monaghan
- 94km/h in a 80km/h Zone on the N25 Castleredmond Midleton Cork
- 117km/h in a 100km/h Zone on the N71 Ballynagrumoolia Waterfall Cork
- 116km/h in a 100km/h Zone on the N25 Kildermody Kilmeaden Waterford
- 110km/h in a 100km/h Zone on the N24 Woodrooff Clonmel Tipperary
- 131km/h in a 120km/h Zone on the M7 Cherryville Kildare Kildare
Mr. Sam Waide, CEO, Road Safety Authority said, "The roads are going to be very busy over the coming days with people travelling for Christmas and the New Year. Busy roads mean it may take to take longer to arrive at your destination.
"My advice is to plan ahead, leave earlier if making a long journey, take frequent breaks to avoid driver tiredness and to slow down. Remember the time savings you gain from speeding are miniscule so don’t put yourself or others at risk.
"Between 24 and 31 of December last year nine people were killed and a further 30 people suffered serious injuries following road collisions. Let’s ensure that no more families are left grieving. Together we can make sure that all road users arrive home safe this Christmas.”
Meanwhile, An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to drivers to comply with speed limits in order to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.
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