“This is not just about speeding enforcement detections. It’s about saving lives.”
Speed checks are to be carried out nationwide as part of National Slow Down Day today.
There will be high visibility speed enforcement in 1,332 speed enforcement zones throughout Ireland between 7am on Tuesday (1 March) and 7am on Wednesday (2 March).
The overall objective of the campaign is to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.
A Road Safety Authority (RSA) report detailed that excessive speed was a contributory factor in almost one third of all fatal collisions between 2008 and 2012.
A 1% reduction in average speed will bring about a 4% reduction in fatal collisions.
Chief Superintendent Michael Hennebry of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau speaking ahead of tomorrow's national "Slow Down Day”
The operation is supported by @RSAIreland and other stakeholders. It will run over 24 hours from 7am tomorrow until 7am on Wednesday 2nd, March pic.twitter.com/fbttaBgHdw
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) February 28, 2022
“Firstly I would like to thank the majority of those who travel within the speed limits,” Chief Superintendent Michael Hennebry of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said.
“However, our enforcement operations continue to detect motorists traveling at speeds significantly above the posted speed limits.
“This reckless behaviour poses a serious risk not just to the motorists themselves, but to all the road users, especially vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists.
“This is not just about speeding enforcement detections. It’s about saving lives.
“I’m appealing to all road users to support us in our efforts to keep everybody safe on our roads.
“Please slow down, check your speed, drive safely, not only on National Slow Down Day, but every day.”
Sam Waide, CEO of the RSA, said that half of all drivers (52%) have been observed speeding on urban roads, and over a quarter (27%) on rural roads.
“This National Slow Down Day, and indeed every day, please remember the faster you drive, the more likely you are to crash which could result in death or serious injury,” Waide said.
“Slow down – drive at a speed that is appropriate to the conditions and your experience and remember a speed limit is not a target.”
.@GardaTraffic and @RSAIreland are urging motorists to reduce their speed and be mindful of vulnerable road users on #SlowDownDay and every day. pic.twitter.com/9Ukiyb1dc4
— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) February 28, 2022
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