Slow down and stay off your phone.

That’s the message from the Garda Siochána ahead of the bank holiday weekend as Gardaí launch a major Roads Policing Operation across Ireland ahead of the June bank holiday weekend.

Despite two months of Covid-19 restrictions, there has been a 17% increase in the number of fatal crashes and a 9% increase in road deaths this year compared to last year, with 60 fatalities since the beginning of 2020.

Gardaí are asking motorists to be extra vigilant as the good weather is expected to bring thousands of extra joggers, cyclists and pedestrians onto the roads as people exercise within 5km of their homes.

Belt up or pay the price

Passengers are reminded to wear seatbelts (if you don’t you risk a fine of €80 and two penalty points, which remain on your licence for three years) and never drink while under the influence.

In case you needed a reminder, penalties for drink driving offences range from disqualification periods from three months to six years depending on the classification of driver (learner, novice, professional), the level of alcohol detected, and whether it is a first or subsequent offence.

“People need to take personal responsibility for their own safety on the roads,” said Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary.

“They need to be seen and they need to be extra vigilant. We are appealing to people, please, reduce your speed this weekend,  be aware of pedestrians, joggers and cyclists and don’t use a mobile phone while driving.”