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AN Garda Síochána will conduct a national speed enforcement operation “Slow Down”, supported by the Road Safety Authority, for a 24 hour period from 7am tomorrow Friday to 7am on Saturday.
The operation will consist of high visibility speed enforcement in speed enforcement zones, as well as the delivery of a road safety message through the use of national, local and social media.
In addition, Garda personnel will man display stands in key venues to provide road safety advice and distribute road safety leaflets.
The objective is to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads. The aim of “Slow Down day” is to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding, increase compliance with speed limits and act as a deterrent to driving at excessive or inappropriate speed.
In terms of road safety, there was a marked increase in road deaths in 2016, resulting in 188 road deaths. Excessive and inappropriate speed is a major contributory factor in road traffic collisions. As a general rule a 1% reduction in average speed will bring about a 4% reduction in fatal collisions, and this is why reducing motorists’ speed is essential to improving road safety.
Government Departments, Local Authorities, Public and private sector fleet operators have been invited to participate in the initiative by circulating employees with the key message to “Slow Down” and, whether driving for business or private purposes, to always drive within the speed limit and at a speed appropriate to the prevailing conditions.
