An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are appealing to the public to use the roads with care over the St Brigid’s Bank Holiday weekend.
Data strongly indicates that the risk of a fatal or serious injury road traffic collision is its highest between midday and 3pm on each of the four days of the St Brigid’s Day Bank Holiday Weekend.
It further shows that a driver is most likely to be involved in a fatal or serious injury road traffic collision during these hours on Friday, 31st January 2025.
Data collated by the Garda Analysis Service shows that drivers under the age of 25 are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal or serious injury collision during the hours of darkness.
Those that drive and are aged 17-20 are more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than a collision that leaves them with serious injuries, when behind the wheel during the hours of darkness.
In the first four weeks of 2025, 12 people have been killed in road traffic collisions on Irish roads - three less lives taken than during January 2024.
Two people under the age of 25 have been killed on our roads.
An Garda Síochána Roads Policing Operation:
An extensive Garda Roads Policing Operation which will take place throughout this St Brigid’s Bank Holiday Weekend got underway at 7am this morning, Thursday 30th January 2025, and will run until 7am on Tuesday, 4th February 2025.
Every member of An Garda Síochána on-duty this long weekend will be out conducting road traffic enforcement activity.
A Garda spokesperson said the force will be focused on targeting the four offences that are proven to cause fatal and serious collisions:
An Garda Síochána and the RSA are reminding all road users to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ahead of the national holiday, drivers and all other road users are being reminded to plan ahead and organise a safe way home if socialising over the coming days.
This means leaving the car and the keys at home, arranging a lift, agreeing a designated driver, booking a taxi, or taking public transport. Walking home or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also put you and other road users at risk.
Storm Éowyn Recovery:
An Garda Síochána and the RSA have said in a statement: “We are very aware that for many communities, still suffering from the devastating impact of Storm Éwoyn, that this is not a normal St Brigid’s Bank Holiday.
“We continue to appeal to all road users to exercise extreme caution on the road network, particularly in the affected counties. Not all fallen trees may yet have been removed from the network and in many cases broken branches and other debris may still be impacting and/ or protruding onto road carriageways.
“Trees/poles which were weakened during Storm Éowyn and Storm Herminia may yet fall and further impact on roads in the worst affected areas.
“An Garda Síochána re-iterates our appeal to all motorists: Slow Down, Expect the Unexpected and Stay Safe on our roads.”
In support of ESB Networks AGS also continue to warn the public to not touch or approach fallen and/or low hanging wires on the electricity network. They may be live and dangerous. The public is asked to contact ESB Networks on 1800 372 999.
If you are aware of family, friends or neighbours who you have not heard from or who may be isolated or continue to be in a vulnerable situation, you are asked to make contact with an An Garda Síochána or another appropriate service - and not to assume that somebody else has.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney T.D said: "It’s an honour to be here today with An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority, representing the Government and our shared ambition to reduce the number of tragic losses and serious injuries on Irish roads.
"A reduction in the default speed limit from 80 to 60km/h on local rural roads - which can be narrow and winding, with limited visibility, and where sadly many collisions happen - is a step in the right direction towards tackling the unfortunate increase in fatalities and serious injuries we have seen in recent years.
"Reducing speed on these roads increases the time we have to react to an unexpected situation, such that any collisions that might occur will be less impactful. This is just one of the range of measures and actions the Government is taking to make roads nationwide safer, including stepping up ongoing education, awareness campaigns, enforcement and significant Government investment in infrastructure improvements to enhance road safety.
"As a nation we have made great strides in making our roads safer for all in recent decades, and we must keep this up. I have no doubt that if we work together, we can see the numbers of lives lost on our roads come down once again.”
Background:
Last year’s St Brigid’s Bank Holiday Roads Safety Operation was held between 7am on Thursday, 1st of February 2024 to 7am Tuesday, 6th of February 2024.
The five-day operation resulted in:
