An Garda Síochána will conduct Operation Slow Down supported by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and other stakeholders over the next 24hrs – 07:00hrs Friday 23 until 07:00hrs on Christmas Eve

This initiative highlights the dangers of speeding with an aim of increasing compliance with speed limits, deterring motorists from driving at excessive or inappropriate speed and ultimately reducing the number of serious road traffic collisions this Christmas and New Year period in particular.

To date, 156 people have lost their lives on Irish roads this year. This is 28 more than on this day last year. There has been some 1,172 serious collisions resulting in injury, often life altering.

Excessive and inappropriate speed is a major contributory factor in fatal and serious road traffic collisions, and therefore the higher the speed, the greater the likelihood of a collision causing serious injury or fatality.

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.”

Operation Slow Down will see all divisional Road Policing Units our conducting high visibility speed enforcement activity in 1,373 speed enforcement zones. Regular updates on this activity including detections will be provided throughout the 24hr period.