Driver fined after getting caught recording active garda incident in Kildare

While gardaí in Clane were responding to a public order incident, a second “dangerous situation” unfolded at the very same scene. 

When dealing with the first event, a driver passing the scene was detected recording the active incident from behind the wheel. 

The driver was stopped by gardaí and a Fixed Charge Penalty Notice was issued, including a €120 fine and 3 penalty points. 

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A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána in Kildare said on social media, "Let's be absolutely clear: recording while driving is illegal, taking your attention off the road -even for seconds- can cause serious collisions, gardaí dealing with live incidents need space, focus and safety- not distractions, no social media clip is worth penalty points- or worse.”

The spokesperson went on to issue advice on what to do if you encounter an emergency scene. 

They said to slow down safely, stay focused on the road, keep both hands on the wheel and respect gardaí and emergency services doing their job as road safety is everyone’s responsibility. 

“Think before you reach for your phone. It could cost you far more than €120 and 3 points,” the An Garda Síochána spokesperson concluded.