The bank holiday weekend saw 3,886 drivers detected for speeding offences, according to Gardaí.

Their operation, which ran from August 1st to 7th, resulted in 294 fixed charge notices for using a phone while driving, 174 for unaccompanied learner drivers, and 106 for not wearing seatbelts.

Three people died on the roads during this period and 11 serious collisions occurred, resulting in 12 people sustaining serious or life-threatening injuries.

Gardaí also conducted 4,918 roadside drug and alcohol tests, leading to over 180 arrests for intoxicated driving.

Notable speeding detections included one driver traveling at 161 km/h in an 80 km/h zone in Cavan and another at 186 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in Kilkenny.

Personal responsibility

In a statement, Gardaí urged motorists to take personal responsibility for their behaviour on the roads.

“It is disappointing that, despite public awareness campaigns and widespread efforts among both Gardaí and relevant partners such as the Road Safety Authority urging motorists to slow down, drivers continue to travel at dangerously excessive speeds on Irish roads,” they said.

“Anyone prepared to drive at the speeds detected over the course of the August Bank Holiday Weekend has the potential to destroy lives, including their own.”

Additionally, 115 vehicles were seized from learner permit holders driving unaccompanied, and 450 vehicles were seized for lacking tax or insurance.

Main image: Garda from the Roads Policing Unit carrying out a speeding checkpoint using his mobility device, 21-7-24. Image: X/@GardaTraffic