Drivers urged to think safety first as Easter roads policing operation gets underway

An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are urging drivers to keep all road users safe over the Easter weekend, with gardaí launching an enhanced roads policing operation between 7am today and 7am on Tuesday.

Every member of An Garda Síochána on duty over the long weekend will be out conducting road-traffic enforcement activity. 

However, they said, they “need the public’s help”.

In a statement, An Garda Síochána said: “Anyone who is intending to socialise and have drinks at any point over the long weekend needs to leave their car at home, arrange a designated driver among friends, pre-book a taxi, use public transport where possible, or fix up a lift home from someone they trust, who will not be under the influence.

Risk

“At no point is it safe or acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having an intoxicant like alcohol or drugs. Walking home or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also put you and other road users at risk.”

The number of drivers and pedestrians killed on Irish roads from January to March was above average when compared to the same period over the past five years.

During the first quarter of each of the past six years, for passengers and pedestrians, the largest age group for fatal and seriously- injured road users was age 20 or younger.

Analysis

Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said: “What our most recent analysis demonstrates is that there is still some way to go in younger drivers paying heed to our pleas to follow the road traffic laws.

“There is a sense among some that gardaí are out conducting roads policing duties to catch people, make their lives difficult by adding penalty points to their licences, and cost them money in fines.

“I can tell you that is absolutely not the case — we are working to help make sure everyone is safe on their journey.”

Sarah O’Connor, director of partnerships and external affairs at the RSA, urged motorists “to slow down and look out for all road users over the Easter bank holiday weekend”.