A driver caught travelling at 179km/h in a 60km/h zone was among 2,800 motorists detected speeding during the Easter weekend, reports RTE.
Nationwide speed enforcement operations took place between 7am last Thursday and 7am today.
In Granard, Co Longford, a motorist was clocked at 179km/h in a 60km/h zone. Meanwhile, in Ballinacurra (Weston), Co Limerick, another was detected driving at 165km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N18, reports RTE.
In Dunboyne, Co Meath, a driver was found doing 139km/h in an 80km/h zone. In another incident, a motorist was caught travelling at 125km/h in a 50km/h zone in Milltown Castlepollard, Co Westmeath.
In the capital, a motorist was recorded driving at 110km/h in a 50km/h zone on the Naas Road, reports RTE.
Tragically, three people – including a four-year-old child – lost their lives on Irish roads, while 12 others sustained serious injuries in 11 separate collisions.
Gardaà confirmed that more than 4,500 breath tests and 213 oral fluid tests were conducted at checkpoints throughout the weekend, leading to 149 arrests for intoxicated driving.
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A total of 225 motorists were found using a mobile phone behind the wheel, while 73 were issued with Fixed Charge notices for failing to wear a seatbelt, reports RTE.
According to gardaÃ, 160 unaccompanied learner drivers were identified, with 109 vehicles seized from permit holders who were driving without a qualified driver present.
Additionally, 438 vehicles were impounded due to lack of valid tax or insurance, reports RTE.
To date, garda statistics show that 51 people have died on Ireland’s roads this year.
Assistant Commissioner for Roads Policing and Community Engagement Paula Hilman highlighted the importance of education and enforcement in promoting road safety.
Speaking at a road safety event at the University of Limerick, she said: “I think it’s important to emphasise that the majority of people drive safely, but for those who don’t, we will be out on the road, enforcing and visible on the roads,” reports RTE.
Ms Hilman noted that one-third of road fatalities this year involved individuals under the age of 30.
She stated that An Garda SÃochána would continue working closely with members of the Road Safety Partnership Board, the Road Safety Authority, and the Departments of Transport and Justice.
When asked whether current penalties were strong enough to deter dangerous driving, she responded that such matters are for legislators and the courts to decide.
“We welcome anything that will reduce death and serious injury in our roads and there are certain issues like this legislatively that the Department of Transport, are looking at and I’m sure the relevant ministers will be bringing those forward,” reports RTE.
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