by Louise Doyle
GARDAÍ in Donegal have warned motorists they will be ramping up checkpoints this May Bank Holiday weekend.
The warning comes amid a 32 per cent rise in the number of people killed on the country’s roads this year so far.
Figures from An Garda Síochána show, as of 9am on April 30, 2024, there were 70 traffic fatalities nationally.
This compares with 53 deaths year to date in 2023.
Gardaí in Donegal have said they will be focusing their efforts on detections for drug/drink driving, the non wearing of seatbelts and the use of mobile phones while driving.
“Bank Holiday weekends bring a higher volume of traffic onto the roads and with this comes an increased risk of collisions,” said a garda spokesperson.
“We ask all road users to please use the roads responsibly. Drivers are urged to slow down, to wear their seatbelt, and not to drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Do not use/hold your mobile phone while driving.”
Gardaí are also urging motorists who have been drinking the night before that they may not be safe to drive the following morning.
“As always, Gardaí will be out on the roads over the weekend conducting high visibility checkpoints and speed checks.
“We hope that everybody has a safe and an enjoyable weekend.”
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