Driver caught doing 117kmh in 50 zone at Marlinstown

Among the notable speeding detections over the bank holiday weekend was a driver doing 117kmh in the 50kmh zone at Marlinstown.

That information is contained in a road safety campaign update from An Garda Síochána and the RSA.

The two organisations recorded four fatalities during the August bank holiday compared to zero for the same period in 2019; plus 160 suspected offences for driving under the influence: 105 suspected offences for drink driving; and 55 suspected offences for drug driving.

The number of instances of excessive speed recorded was 2,624.

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána, said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy seen on our roads at the weekend, and I want to take this opportunity to send our condolences to all of those affected.

“An Garda Síochána views any road death as one too many and we will continue to work together with our partners in road safety to reduce road deaths.”

An Garda Síochána and the RSA are also disappointed by the high number of road traffic offences detected over weekend, and the blatant disregard for others.

Assistant Commissioner Hilman said: “The level of endangerment we encountered over the weekend is not acceptable. Despite our best efforts to engage and educate drivers, too many are still taking chances and putting people’s lives at risk.”

Garda enforcement figures show that 160 drug and drink driving arrests were made over the August bank holiday weekend. A high number of drivers were also detected speeding, some more than 100km over the limit.

Addressing drivers, Assistant Commissioner Hilman has this message: “There is simply no place on our roads for people who do not comply with legislation. Every driver must be responsible, and not just think about their own safety, but the safety of their families and loved ones, and the safety of all roads users.

“As a driver you have a responsibility for your passenger and other road users. Drink and drug driving is irresponsible and is a menace on our roads.”

Many people are on staycations In August and we urge all road users to be extra vigilant in order to avoid further road deaths and serious injury. Total road deaths in August 2019 was 9 and to date in August 2020 we have had 3 deaths on our roads. Help make our roads safer by never drink or drug driving or speeding.