Gardaí issue road safety appeal for St Brigid’s Day bank holiday weekend

Gardaí have issued a road safety appeal for all road users over the St Brigid’s Day bank holiday weekend.

An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are calling on all road users to drive under the speed limit, wear a seat belt, not use their phone, or drive while under the influence.

Last Year, 2022, 156 persons died on Irish roads, the largest death toll on Irish roads since 2016 while 18 persons died on Irish roads during January 2023.

This is the largest death toll on Irish Roads during the month of January since 2013.

Assistant Commissioner, Paula Hilman, Roads Policing, An Garda Síochána, said: “In this first St Brigid’s Bank Holiday weekend I am appealing to all roads users to look out for one another on the road.

“Bank Holiday Weekends are a very busy time on the roads and our experience is that the risk of fatal and serious injury collisions increases during these periods.

“This year to date there have been 20 fatalities on the roads. We are asking everyone to work together in keeping our roads safe.

“Similarly to other bank holidays this weekend we will be focusing on the four lifesaver offences; driving under the influence, speeding, non-wearing of seatbelts and mobile phone use.

“An Garda Síochána will engage with the public and work with our partners to keep people safe on our roads, this bank holiday weekend.

“During the hours of darkness, please ensure that you are clearly visible to other road users.

“60% of fatalities to date this year has been drivers, therefore I would ask all drivers to reduce their speed and arrive safely to their destination this weekend. Finally, I want to wish you all a safe and enjoyable St Brigid’s Weekend.”