December sees stern Garda crackdown on traffic offences as over 12,000 tickets issued

AS THE Christmas and New Year Road Safety Enforcement Operation by An Garda Síochána enters its fourth week, authorities have released a comprehensive update on the campaign's impact and progress from December 1 to December 28, 2023.

Tragically, the latest statistics reveal that 181 individuals have lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads during this period. This marks a stark increase of 27 deaths compared to the same time last year. While there have been no fatalities reported in the past seven days, concerns persist as the operation continues until 7am on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

An Garda Síochána is intensifying its plea for road users to exercise extreme caution during the festive season. The operation's primary focus remains on combating the dangers of driving under the influence of an intoxicant, neglecting seatbelt usage, speeding, and using mobile phones while driving.

In a stern crackdown, An Garda Síochána has made 673 arrests on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant throughout the four weeks of the operation. Of these, a significant 166 drivers were apprehended for suspected drug impairment.

Their efforts have also seen the issuance of 12,147 fixed charge notices for speeding violations, 882 for the use of mobile phones while driving, and 247 for non-compliance with seatbelt regulations between December 1st and December 28th, 2023.

Highlighting the commitment to safer roads, An Garda Síochána has conducted over 3,714 mandatory intoxicant testing (MIT) checkpoints during the same period. 

With the operation set to conclude on January 4, 2024, An Garda Síochána remains vigilant in its efforts to make Irish roads safer during the festive season.