Gardaí warn Kildare motorists to slow down in run-up to Christmas

An Garda Síochána is conducting a dedicated road traffic enforcement operation throughout the Christmas period which began on Friday, November 29 2024 and will continue until Monday, January 6 2025.

During the first week of the operation, between Friday November 29 2024 and Thursday December 5 2024, 'there was one fatality on our roads and 20 serious collisions that resulted in a number of people receiving serious and life-threatening injuries.

Over the past week, An Garda Síochána carried out over 1,300 checkpoints, both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints.

134 people were arrested during this period for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol and drugs).

Over 2,300 drivers were detected for speeding offences by An Garda Síochána and Mobile Safety Camera Vans by An Garda Síochána's Road Safety Partners, GoSafe.

Notable top speeds detected include:
•             91kph in a 50kph zone on the R394, Milltown, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath
•             141kph in a 60kph zone on the R188, Doocassan, Drung, Co. Cavan
•             128kph in an 80kph zone on the N2, Drumcaw, Co. Monaghan
•             117kph in a 100kph zone on the South Ring Road, Cork
•             180kph in a 120kph zone on the M6, An Carn Mór Thiar, Órán Mór, Gaillimh

Approximately 430 vehicles were seized by Gardaí for a range of offences under the Road Traffic Act, 1961.

In addition, approximately 200 Fixed Charge Notices were issued for the offence of using a mobile phone while driving.

The Christmas period is one of the busiest on Irish roads. It is also one of the periods during which road users are at the highest risk of being involved in a fatal or serious road traffic collision.

To date, 165 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads.

An Garda Síochána is appealing to all those that will be taking to the roads over the Christmas period to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention.

Storm Darragh

Storm Darragh is expected to bring extremely strong winds and heavy rainfall this weekend. Met Éireann has issued Status Red and Status Orange and Status Yellow weather warnings across the country commencing this afternoon, Friday 6th December 2024. Driving conditions will be hazardous throughout the weekend.

Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, including cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles.

There is a risk of flooding in coastal areas, and heavy rainfall may lead to road surface flooding in urban areas. Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving.

Members of the public are advised not to travel in areas where a Status Red weather warning is in place.

Roads users who intend on travelling long distances today and over the weekend are advised to check the weather at your destination, which may be significantly different.

An Garda Síochána will provide information and updates on Storm Darragh on its official social media channels.