More than 1,200 drivers were caught speeding during the bank holiday weekend, with three men losing their lives in separate road incidents across Ireland, Gardaí have revealed.
The fatal accidents occurred in Counties Cork, Dublin, and Sligo since Friday, with one of the victims being a pedestrian. In addition to the speeding offenses, 158 people were arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated since the Garda operation began Thursday morning.
In a particularly concerning incident, an L-driver in his 20s was arrested in Cork after being caught driving at over 170km/h on the M8 without insurance and testing positive for drugs. Gardaí also responded to four separate motorway incidents involving drivers under the influence, putting 18 people, including children, at risk.
“This is unacceptable behaviour and should be called out by every responsible and law-abiding person,” a Garda spokesperson stated, highlighting that these were conscious decisions by drivers who had consumed intoxicants before getting behind the wheel.
With darker evenings following the clock change and deteriorating weather conditions, Gardaí are urging motorists to adjust their driving habits. They emphasize that drivers should consider road and weather conditions rather than simply adhering to speed limits, and to take breaks when feeling tired.
According to The Journal, this weekend’s incidents underscore ongoing concerns about road safety in Ireland, particularly during holiday periods when traffic volumes typically increase.