Drivers are being warned to expect a significant Garda presence on roads across the country this August Bank Holiday weekend, with an extensive road-policing operation getting underway from Thursday July 30 in the morning.
Additional Garda patrols and speed detection vans will be deployed nationwide as authorities target the offences responsible for the majority of serious and fatal collisions.
Motorists can expect checkpoints, speed checks and increased enforcement throughout the weekend, with Gardaí focusing on drivers who are speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, using a mobile phone behind the wheel or failing to wear a seatbelt.
Michael Rowland from the RSA, says drivers using a phone behind the wheel will also be targeted:
“If you are distracted you’re four times more likely to be involved in a collision. 20% of people have told us that they have checked their notifications on their mobile phones whilst driving and that is a major concern to us; We are appealing to people not to use their mobile phone whilst driving.”
New Road Safety Measures
The warning comes as the Government approved a major package of new road-safety measures aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads.
Among the most significant proposals are tougher rules for e-scooter users, including:
The Government is also exploring mandatory insurance, vehicle registration and licensing requirements for e-scooter users in the future.
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said improving road safety requires strong enforcement alongside legislation and public awareness:
“Road safety is a priority for this Government, and the range of measures approved today demonstrates the breadth of actions required to make our roads safer. Improving road safety requires the right legislation, effective policies, strong enforcement, close cooperation between agencies and authorities, and greater public awareness of our shared responsibility as road users.”
He said the latest measures demonstrate the Government’s commitment to making Irish roads safer and described the new e-scooter regulations as a response to the growing number of serious injuries and fatalities involving the vehicles:
“Education and public awareness are key components of road safety. I am particularly pleased to see the introduction of a new Road Safety Ambassador programme, to bring road safety messages to a wide range of road users through human connection.”
The Government has also approved reforms to the Road Safety Authority, including a new Road Safety Ambassadors Programme and expanded road safety education campaigns.
Other changes set to benefit motorists include plans to abolish the requirement to display a paper motor tax disc and allowing local authorities greater access to collision data to identify dangerous roads and target safety improvements.
With thousands expected to travel over the long weekend, Gardaí are urging all road users to slow down, avoid distractions and never drive under the influence.
