The May Bank Holiday Roads Operation has been enacted to reduce dangerous driving around Ireland. This year alone 55 people have been killed on Irish roads, and there has been a worrying upwards trend in driving offences including, A 36% increase in recorded speeding, a 10% increase of people caught driving on their phones and a 4% increase of driving while intoxicated.
The checks began at 7am on Thursday morning and are due to run until Tuesday morning. All members of an Garda Síochána on duty taking part in the traffic enforcement. The chacks have found 1,200 drivers speeding in the first 48 hours. This enforcement operations mirror the February bank holiday checks.
The Gardaí have set up high-visibility checkpoints around the country and are testing for intoxicated drivers. Checkpoints for speeding, and other forms of reckless driving have also been put in place. An Garda Síochána are encouraging everyone to "support their efforts and keep everyone safe".
In total over 48 arrests have been made on people driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. 110 others have been reported for holding a phone or not wearing a seatbelt while driving.
A number of notable speeding offences have been published including;
The Gardaí highlighted that it is not drivers alone who cause harm on Irish roads, "Walking home or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also put you and other road users at risk. Cyclists and pedestrians should stay visible and observe their surroundings at all times."
