665 speeding detections during National Slow Down Day  

According to gardai, since Slow Down Day operation commenced at 7am yesterday, 665 drivers have been detected speeding on our roads.   

A total of 157,298 vehicles were checked between 7am yesterday and 7am this morning during the National Slow Down Day. 

Although the vast majority of drivers were found to be driving within the speed limits, there were some alarming detections.  

In Tullamore, Co.Offaly a vehicle was detected traveling at 136km/h in a 50km/h zone. The driver was arrested for dangerous driving and charged by Gardaí.  

A vehicle was detected travelling at 162 km/h in a 100km/h zone in Oranmore, Co.Galway at 7.10pm on Monday evening.

The driver was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and appeared before Tullamore District Court earlier today.  

Examples of high speeds during the 24 hour period include: 

• 78km/h in a 50km/h Zone on the Leopardstown Road Dublin 18 
• 90km/h in a 60km/h Zone on the N20 Baltydaniel West Mallow Cork 
• 89km/h in a 60km/h Zone on the N4 Drishoge Carrick-On-Shannon Roscommon 
• 116km/h in a 80km/h Zone on the N17 Tobertelly Achonry Sligo 
• 141km/h in a 100km/h Zone on the N4 Greatdown The Downs Westmeath 
• 140km/h in a 100km/h Zone on the N3 Drumbarlom Belturbet Cavan 
• 177km/h in a 120km/h Zone on the M6 Killavally Tyrrellspass Westmeath 
• 131km/h in a 100km/h Zone on the N18 Ballinacurra (Weston) Limerick Limerick 
• 98km/h in a 80km/h Zone on the N78 Muckalee Ballyfoyle Kilkenny 
• 122km/h in a 100km/h Zone on the N71 Ballynagrumoolia Waterfall Cork 

Commenting on the operation, Chief Superintendent in the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, Jane Humphries said,  

 “As an initiative, National Slow Down day is about making Irish roads safer for all who use them.  

“The reality is that excessive and inappropriate speed continues to contribute to serious road traffic collisions that cause life-altering injuries and even fatality.  

“It’s positive that yesterday’s detections indicate that motorists are generally making an effort to comply with speed limits around the country, however, it is the poor action and the risks taken by few that can be most detrimental.  

“While the vast majority of drivers drive safely within the speed limits, and it is most welcome, there still remain those who continue to drive at excessive speeds. We will maintain our focus on non-compliant drivers as they pose a risk to themselves and other road users”.  

127 people have died on Irish roads so far this year.