A targeted 24-hour Garda operation has caught 266 motorists using their phones while driving, representing more than four times the daily average for phone-related driving offences in 2024.
Key findings from the operation:
- 266 drivers detected between 7am yesterday and 7am today
- Significant increase from 2024’s daily average of 60 detections
- Each offense carries a €120 fine and three penalty points
- 762 drivers already caught this year
- Over 21,500 fixed penalty notices issued in 2024
“Driving while on your phone distracts you and takes both your eyes and your full attention away from the road,” a garda spokesperson warned, emphasizing that such behavior is “highly dangerous and potentially life-threatening for you and other road users.”
According to The Journal, the dramatic increase in detection rates during this focused operation suggests that phone use while driving remains a significant road safety concern in Ireland, despite existing penalties and awareness campaigns.