Continued disregard for speed limits is 'irresponsible and dangerous', gardaí say

Eva Osborne

An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to drivers to slow down, stating that it is irresponsible and dangerous to speed especially during the cold snap.

Over the last 72 hours, 375 drivers have been detected speeding in excess of the posted speed limit.

This includes a motorist detected doing 99km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the Dublin Road, Co Galway, and a driver caught doing 156km/hr in a 100km/hr zone on the N15 Drumrat, Co Donegal.

Chief superintendent, Jane Humphries, said: "The disregard for speed limits and safe speeds by a small number of drivers is irresponsible and dangerous, not just for their own safety, but for the safety of the many workers who are busy keeping our roads open for essential use in this excessive cold spell and other road users who are supporting road safety.

"Drivers who continue to drive at excessive speed are a menace on our roads. An Garda Síochána continues to enforce the road traffic legislation throughout this period in addition to working and supporting our communities across the country and in the most affected counties during this cold weather period.”

Other examples of speeding detections in the past few days include:

• 125km/hr in a 100km/hr zone on the N26, Ballina, Co Mayo;
• 97km/hr in an 80km/hr zone on the N68, Kilmihill, Co Clare;
• 112km/hr in an 80km/hr zone on the N4, Lucan, Co Dublin;
• 121km/hr in a 60km/hr zone on the Navan Road, Co Dublin;
• 96km/hr in a 60km/hr zone on the R188, Drung, Co Cavan;
• 97km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the Dublin Road, Co Galway;
• 83km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the R188, Drumbear, Co Monaghan;
• 80km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the Dublin Road, Co Cavan.

In addition, 29 drivers were arrested in the last 72 hours for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol and drugs).

Chief superintendent Humphries once again appealed to all road users, to "slow down and stay safe over the coming days".