Garda identified 211 cars going over the speed limit within 24 hours yesterday - with some cars driving more than 50 kilometres above the speed limit.

Approximately 140,000 were checked between 7am yesterday and 7am this morning - and 211 were found speeding.

This finding equates to 0.15% of Irish drivers speeding over 24-hour period window.

Galway and Cork were among the worst offenders for high speeds. One motorist was found driving 157 kilometres per hour in a 100 kilometre zone on N25 at Ballyadam in Cork. A Galway driver was clocked driving 161 kilometres an hour in a 120k zone on the M6 at Oranmore.

A motorist was also found doing 153 kilometres in a 120k zone on the M6 at Tyrellspass, Westmeath, while one driver was spotted driving 156 kilometres in a 100k zone on the N4 at Newtownforbes in Longford.

National Slow Down Day

Garda conducted 'National Slow Down Day' with the Road Safety Authority working to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding.

Last year saw the highest death toll on Irish roads since 2016, with 157 people tragically losing their lives.

So far this year, 52 people have died on our roads, an increase of three on the same day last year.

Garda figures show that speed is often a factor in road deaths, with around 30% of fatal collisions a direct result of speeding or inappropriate speed.

A Garda drives past the Phibsborough Tower in Dublin. Image: Sam Boal /Rollingnews

Garda Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries said speeding is a major cause of road deaths.

“Speeding not only puts you at risk but also endangers the lives of others around you,” she said.

She said speeding means you are at a higher risk of "losing control of your vehicle" and you won't have time to react and avoid any obstacles in your way.

“Let's take the initiative to make our roads safer, not only this National Slow Down Day but every day, by slowing down and making sure we are driving at a safe and appropriate speed."

“By doing so, we can help prevent accidents and make our communities safer for everyone.”

National Slow Down Day forms part of a pan-European effort day of action combatting speeding on the roads.