An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have issued a stark warning to motorists as the first 48 hours of the Easter Bank Holiday roads policing operation reveals a troubling number of traffic violations. Since the campaign began at 7:00 AM on Thursday, over 1,400 drivers have been detected exceeding the speed limit across the country.
Shocking Speeding Detections
Despite widespread public appeals for caution, some of the speeds recorded by gardaí have been described as “deeply concerning.” In County Kerry, a driver was intercepted traveling at 141 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the N22. In County Wexford, another was caught doing 115 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. Urban areas were not exempt from the trend; on the Stillorgan Road in Dublin, a driver was clocked at 81 km/h in a 60 km/h zone, while another was detected at 73 km/h in a busy 50 km/h residential area on Macken Street.
Gardaí have emphasized that these speeds significantly increase the risk of fatal collisions, particularly on secondary roads where conditions can be unpredictable.
The “Fatal Five” and Arrest Statistics
The five-day operation, which will continue until 7:00 AM on Tuesday, focuses on the “Fatal Five” behaviors: speeding, intoxicated driving, non-use of seatbelts, distracted driving (mobile phones), and fatigue.
As of Saturday morning, 66 individuals have already been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, nearly 170 people were issued fines for using mobile phones while driving or for failing to wear a seatbelt. Fortunately, no road fatalities have been recorded since the start of this specific Easter campaign, though the total number of road deaths in Ireland for 2026 currently stands at 42, a figure that matches the worrying trends seen in 2025.
Vulnerable Road Users in Focus
The RSA is placing a particular emphasis on the safety of “vulnerable road users,” including pedestrians and cyclists. Statistics from the previous year showed a 24% jump in pedestrian deaths, with many occurring in areas with speed limits of 60 km/h or less. With brighter evenings and the bank holiday traffic, motorists are urged to lower their speed in built-up areas and to be extra vigilant at crossings.
A Call for Responsibility
A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána reminded the public that road safety is a shared responsibility. “We want everyone to enjoy the Easter break with their families, but that requires every driver to make the conscious decision to slow down and put the phone away. Walking or cycling home under the influence also poses a massive risk to yourself and others.”
The National Roads Policing Operation involves high-visibility checkpoints and Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) stations throughout the weekend. Drivers are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra time for travel, and never drive if they are tired or under the influence.
