Motorists urged to slow down this bank holiday weekend as gardai warn they will be out in force

Motorists are being urged to slow down and to exercise caution if travelling over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

The appeal from the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Siochána comes ahead of what is expected to be the busiest weekend of the year so far.

According to provisional data 54 people have died in Irish roads so far in 2024 -an increase of 12 compared to the same period last year.

Commenting about the appeal, Jack Chambers, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, said: "Research shows that bank holidays are worse for road traffic collisions, but that we can prevent this if we make responsible choices when using the roads. Motorists should also be aware that gardaí will be out in force on roads across the country once again this bank holiday weekend. I am calling on drivers in particular to treat cyclists, and all road users, with respect and to share the road safely.” 

Sam Waide, chief executive with the RSA, added: “Everyone using the roads should demonstrate safe road user behaviour and protect vulnerable road users, including cyclists. Excessive speed continues to be a leading contributory factor in fatal collisions in Ireland and internationally. It has been estimated that between 10 and 15% of all collisions and 30% of fatal collisions are the result of speeding or inappropriate speed. We all have a responsibility, whether as drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians to share the road in a safe and responsible manner - not only during the Easter Bank Holiday, but all year round.”

RSA team up with professional cyclist Imogen Cotter ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday https://t.co/ugE1e2NiUD

Last year nine cyclists lost their lives on Irish roads. We are reminding road users to be aware of people who cycle and to share the road safely.
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/xWN5x2KNcf

— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) March 27, 2024

Speaking at the launch of the bank holiday road safety campaign, Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau stated: "Bank holidays are a time for family and friends, sadly this will not be the case for the devastated families of young and old who have died on our roads so far in 2024."

She added that gardai will be out in force across the country over the Easter weekend.

"An Garda Síochána is and will continue to make every effort to reduce the harm that is happening on our roads, but this is a societal issue for every road user, pedestrian, pedal cyclist, driver; we need to work together to share and make our roads a safer place. An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to drivers to never ever drive under the influence of an intoxicant and for every driver to reduce their speed."

Drivers are also being reminded that the RSA and participating Applegreen service stations are providing free cups of coffee to motorists to combat driver fatigue over the bank holiday weekend.

The offer is available from 2pm-8pm on Friday 29 March and on Monday 1 April – just mention RSA at the Applegreen till when you’re getting your coffee.