Commuters should expect to see a heavy Garda presence out on the roads today. 

The default national speed limit on rural roads will drop from 80 km/h to 60 km/h as part of a series of measures to cut the number of people dying in car crashes. 

RSA spokesperson David Martin explained what this means for drivers. 

“The Gardaí will be out," he said. 

"It's a hard change; what I mean by that is that if people are caught breaking the new speed limits will incur penalty points.

"This is all about saving lives and reducing injuries."

Gardaí out policing the roads in Kildare. Picture by: Eamonn Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Last year, 174 people died on Irish roads and the RSA has been keen to stress that lower speed limits will save lives. 

“These roads primarily serve local traffic and provide access to homes, farms and small rural communities,” RSA spokesperson David Martin said. 

“Managing speed is one of the most effective ways to reduce fatalities and injuries in road traffic collisions. 

“Remember as well, that it is not a target - that’s a limit.” 

Local Authorities have the power to exempt certain roads from the new speed limit if they wish. 

Main image: Gardaí policing the roads. Picture by: RollingNews.ie