By Emma Ryan
Over 250 motorists have been caught driving while on their mobile phones this year.
Figures presented at the Donegal Joint Policing Committee meeting on Friday revealed that so far in 2023, 252 motorists have been caught driving while using a mobile phone.
The figures also revealed that 2,083 drivers have been caught speeding while 94 people have been caught travelling without a seatbelt.
In relation to intoxicated driving, 290 people have been caught driving while intoxicated so far this year.
This figure represents a decrease of 16 per cent compared to the same period in 2022.
There has been a 21 per cent decrease in the number of people caught drink driving this year with 186 people committing the offence, while 104 people have so far been caught drug driving this year.
The report was presented by Garda Inspector Seamus McGonigle.
He said mobile phones and even hands-free systems are a distraction for drivers. He added that today’s cars are supposed to be safe on the road but with a large amount of accessories in the car, motorists can find themselves taking their eyes off the road.
He explained there is currently 24 gardaí and four sergeants attached to the road policing unit in Donegal, similar figures since 2009.
The meeting heard that speed accounted for the most common offence in Donegal and Inspector McGonigle pointed out the importantance of appropriate speed. He said the speed limit is the maximum speed but motorists do not have to travel at that speed if it is not appropriate.
The report detailed that 38 per cent of fatal accidents involve alcohol.
Inspector McGonigle also pointed out the importance of wearing seatbelts. He said while the majority of people do wear their seatbelts, some do not wear them properly.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)