August Bank Holiday Road Safety Campaign Update

• 4 recorded fatalities during the August Bank Holiday compared to zero (0) for the same period in 2019.
• 160 suspected offences for driving under the influence: 105 suspected offences for ‘Drink Driving’ and 55 suspected offences for ‘Drug Driving’.
• 2,624 instances of excessive speed recorded.

An Garda Síochána and the RSA are saddened by the deaths on Irish roads over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with 4 fatalities and 10 serious injuries.

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragedy seen on our roads this weekend. I want to take this opportunity to send our condolences to all of those affected. An Garda Síochána views any road death as one too many and we will continue to work together with our partners in road safety to reduce road deaths."

An Garda Síochána and the RSA are also very disappointed by the high number of road traffic offences detected over weekend, and the blatant disregard for others.

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman said: "The level of endangerment we encountered over the weekend is not acceptable. Despite our best efforts to proactively engage and educate drivers, too many are still taking chances and putting people’s lives at risk.”

Garda enforcement figures show that 160 drug and drink driving arrests were made over the August Bank Holiday weekend. A high number of drivers were also detected speeding, with some in excess of 100 km over the limit.

During a joint operation with the RSA, Naas Roads Policing Unit conducted a number of checkpoints which led to the detection of 19 offences in just one day.

In the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division alone, nine (9) people were arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant, along with five (5) arrests for drug driving, and one (1) for dangerous driving.  

On Saturday, a driver was detected travelling at 203kph on the M1 motorway by the Drogheda Roads Policing Unit, 83km over the speed limit.

Speaking to drivers, Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman has this strong message: "There is simply no place on our roads for people who do not comply with legislation. Every driver must be responsible, and not just think about their own safety, but the safety of their families and loved ones, and the safety of all roads users.”

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman continued "As a driver you have a responsibility for your passenger and other road users. Drink and drug driving is irresponsible and is a menace on our roads."

Many people are on staycations In August and we urge all road users to be extra vigilant in order to avoid further road deaths and serious injury. Total road deaths in August 2019 was 9 and to date in August 2020 we have had 3 deaths on our roads. Help make our roads safer by never drink or drug driving or speeding.

Notes

Road User Fatalities and Serious Injuries for August Bank Holiday 2020 

•  60 road traffic collisions
• 8 serious road traffic collisions
• 10 Serious road traffic injuries
• 4 road traffic deaths

*provisional and subject to change

Garda Enforcement Statistics for August Bank Holiday 2020

• 160 Arrests for Drugs/Intoxication
• 55 persons arrested for/suspected of ‘Drugs- Driving offences’
• 105 persons arrested for/suspected of ‘Intoxicated Driving a Vehicle’/’Intoxicated IN CHARGE of a Vehicle’

Examples of detections, including speeding and drug/drink drivers, over the weekend are available on @gardatraffic Twitter page (please also see background briefing note).

Garda and GoSafe Speed Detections

• 2,624 instances of excessive speed recorded. Notable detections are included in attached table. 

Background Material to August Bank Holiday Road Safety Campaign 2020 Update

Examples of Garda Enforcement Activity and Detections Examples Cavan/Monaghan Division 

• 9 People arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
• 5 Persons arrested for Drug driving.
• 1 Person arrested for Dangerous Driving
• Within these figures and of note are two incidents:

Gardaí in Carrickmacross stopped a vehicle on 03/08/2020. The driver tested positive for cocaine on the roadside and was subsequently arrested. At the station is was discovered the driver was disqualified from driving. Driver charged and brought to court.

Gardaí in Monaghan observed a car performing "donuts” at Killyneill Cross Tyholland Co Monaghan on 01/08/2020. A short pursuit followed and the driver was arrested. Driver later charged for offences under the road traffic act.

Donegal Division

• 5 drink driving arrests
• 6 arrests for the offence of drug driving
• Speed detection and subsequent detection of drug driving (Cannabis) by the Buncrana RPU.
• Letterkenny RPU stopped a car for speeding in Manorcunningham. Driver tested positive for the presence of cannabis.
• Ballyshannon Gardaí arrested a Motorist at a checkpoint who tested positive for cocaine and cannabis.

Mayo Division

• 10 MIT (Mandatory Intoxicant Testing) Checkpoints conducted.
• 10 Pro Active Checkpoints conducted.
• 1 Speed Checkpoint conducted
• 2 Vehicles Detained.

Dublin Metropolitan Region

• Driver stopped for using mobile phone. Driver failed roadside breath test. Car seized for no insurance.
• 1 arrest for drug driving by Dublin Castle Roads Policing unit.
• Driver stopped for speeding in Crumlin. Driver failed roadside drug test. A small quantity of cannabis found in vehicle.
• 7 arrests for intoxicated driving offences at MIT checkpoint on N81 by DMR Roads Policing Unit. Of the 7 drivers arrested, 4 tested positive for alcohol, and 3 for drugs.

Clare Division

• Vehicle detected travelling at 197kph in 120kph zone.
• Gardaí on patrol in Ennis arrested a driver on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs. Driver was an unaccompanied learner permit holder.

Kildare Division

• 19 offences detected by Naas Roads Policing Unit.
• 6 Vehicles seized, 14 FCPNs issued, 1 driver arrested for driving under influence of drugs. All at a major checkpoint conducted near the Curragh.

Louth Division

• Driver detected travelling 203kph on M1 motorway by Drogheda Roads Policing Unit.

Laois/Offaly Division

• Driver stopped at checkpoint gave false name. Driver identified and found to be disqualified. Driver arrested and vehicle seized.

Tipperary Division

• 11 drivers arrested on suspicion of drug driving.