News & Info
Gardaí urge motorists to reduce speed to prevent road traffic collisions
2nd September, 2024
On National Slow Down Day, Gardaí remind drivers of the dangers of speeding.
An Garda Síochana are conducting a 24 hour national speed limit enforcement operation, ‘National Slow Down Day’, from 7am Monday 2nd September to 7 am on Tuesday 3rd September.
As serious and fatal road collisions increase on Irish roads, the operation aims to encourage drivers to slow down and stay within the speed limits to help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries.
Road safety in Ireland has deteriorated in recent years and speeding is consistently found to be one of the leading causes of road traffic accidents.
2023 saw an increase in fatal road collisions, with a total of 184 people losing their lives, compared to 154 deaths in 2022 – a 19% increase.
However, preliminary figures from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) for 2024 are tracking higher than last year, with an average of 16 fatalities per month, compared to 15 per month last year. If the monthly average continues, there may be 192 fatalities in 2024.
Speaking to media about National Slow Down day, a Garda spokesperson said: “The consequences of speeding can be devastating, not only for yourself but for other innocent people on the road.”
“Speeding not only puts you at risk but also endangers the lives of others around you. Every time you speed, there is an increase in the likelihood of losing control of your vehicle, which could lead to a serious or fatal accident.”
According to the RSA, one in ten pedestrians hit by cars at 30 km/h will be killed. This rises to three out of ten at 50km/h and five out of ten at 60km/h.
Solicitor Paul Tracey said he has seen the rise in collisions nationwide reflected in increased road traffic personal injury cases in 2024.
“As we know, there are a large number of accidents on the roads at the moment, and a lot of people are suffering devastating lifelong effects as a result. There is no doubt that speeding causes many of these accidents, so I would implore people to slow down and take extra care when driving.
“It’s well known that increased speed will significantly increase the likelihood of being involved in a serious or fatal road traffic collision, so there’s no excuse for driving recklessly and endangering the lives of others,” he added.
Paul Tracey is the Founder and Managing Partner at Tracey Solicitors LLP. Paul qualified as a solicitor in 1982, so he brings a wealth of expertise to his clients. As a Managing Partner of the firm, Paul is the driving force behind our client centric approach and is absolutely committed to making law accessible to all.