GARDAÍ are conducting an Operation Slow Down day today with the aim of reducing the number of serious road traffic collisions this Christmas and New Year period.
From 7am this morning (Friday) until 7am Christmas Eve the roads policing unit in Donegal and across the country are conducting high visibility speed enforcement activity.
Eight people have died on the roads in Donegal so far this year. Nationwide 156 people have lost their lives. This is 28 more than on this day last year. There has been some 1,172 serious collisions resulting in injury, often life altering.
Assistant Commissioner, Roads Policing & Community Engagement Paula Hilman said, “We know from our enforcement activity that motorists continue to recklessly drive at speeds significantly above the posted speed limits. This not only poses a serious risk to themselves and their passengers but to all the road users, especially vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists.
“Today’s ongoing Operation Slow Down is not about Gardaí setting out to detect speed and issue fines, this is about saving lives because reducing motorists’ speed is essential to improving road safety.
“I am appealing to all road users to please support us in our efforts to keep people safe on our roads. The message from us is clear – regularly check your speed, drive safely and slow down.
Mr. Sam Waide, CEO, Road Safety Authority said, “The roads are going to be very busy over the coming days with people travelling for Christmas and the New Year. Busy roads mean it may take to take longer to arrive at your destination.
“My advice is to plan ahead, leave earlier if making a long journey, take frequent breaks to avoid driver tiredness and to slow down. Remember the time savings you gain from speeding are miniscule so don’t put yourself or others at risk.
“Between 24 and 31 of December last year nine people were killed and a further 30 people suffered serious injuries following road collisions. Let’s ensure that no more families are left grieving. Together we can make sure that all road users arrive home safe this Christmas.”
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