Garda roads policing operation taking place in Cork this weekend

AN extensive Garda Roads Policing Operation is taking place throughout this St Brigid’s Bank Holiday Weekend until Tuesday at 7am.

Data from Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) shows that the risk of a fatal or serious injury road traffic collision is highest between 12pm and 3pm during the St Brigid’s Day Bank Holiday Weekend, and that the risk of a fatal or serious injury road traffic collision is highest on the Friday of the St Brigid’s Day bank holiday weekend.

For the month of January 2024, 18 people lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads, one less for the month of January 2023 and an increase of 4 for January 2022.

According to RSA research, in 2023 the highest risk age among road users was those aged 16-25 years, a group which represented 26% of total fatalities (48 fatalities).

The 5 day period of St Brigid’s bank holiday weekend 2023 (7am Thursday 02/02 to 7am Tuesday 07/02, inclusive) resulted in 1 fatal collision, 16 serious injury collisions, 167 Drivers arrested on suspicion of Drink/Drug Driving, 20% these arrests occurring between 6am and 2pm.

There were also over 1,100 Mandatory Intoxicating (MIT) Checkpoints carried out, over 2,700 detections for speeding, 80 detections for seatbelt offences, 255 detections for using a mobile phone, 177 FCNs issued for Learner Unaccompanied Drivers with 101 vehicles seized from unaccompanied learner drivers, 174 vehicles seized for no insurance and 222 vehicles seized for no tax.

Sarah O’Connor, Director of Partnerships and External Affairs, Road Safety Authority, said, “We know the roads are very busy on bank holiday weekends making them a high-risk time for collisions, and driver distraction is thought to play a role in up to 30% of all road collisions.

"According to the Driver Attitudes and Behaviours Survey 2023 commissioned by the RSA, 40% of younger people (aged under 35) check apps at least sometimes while driving, compared to 25% of all motorists. Furthermore, 22% text while driving at least sometimes, compared to 11% of all motorists.

“For all drivers, but particularly for younger drivers, the RSA is saying: would it kill you to put it away?” 

An Garda Síochána appeals to all road users to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to slow down and to always choose a speed that is appropriate to the driving conditions, to wear your seatbelt and never use a mobile phone while driving.

This February Bank Holiday Weekend drivers are also being reminded that the RSA and participating Applegreen service stations are providing free cups of coffee to motorists to combat driver fatigue.

The offer is available from 2pm to 8pm on Friday 2 February and on Monday 5 February, including stores in Ballincollig, Togher, Macroom, Mallow, Skibereen, Youghal, Cobh, Ballyvolane, Kinsalebeg, Glanmire and Hollyhill.