The Garda is setting up more than 3,000 checkpoints around the State, in addition to many speed checks, to curb speeding and dangerous driving this holiday weekend. The move comes as Operation Lifesaver is extended nationwide.
The Garda National Traffic Policy Bureau set up Operation Lifesaver on July 14th, with pilot tests in Louth and Meath. Since then there have been more than 500 on-the-spot fines for speeding, and 47 prosecutions for dangerous driving. There have been also almost 250 prosecutions for seat belts not being worn, and more than 800 drivers have been cautioned for minor traffic infringements.
Increased traffic at holiday weekends has usually led to more accidents, deaths and injuries. Last year six people were killed and 140 were injured during the August bank holiday weekend. Gardai say the aim of the operation is to save lives, principally by reducing the amount of dangerous driving and speeding, and by encouraging people to wear seat belts.
There have been many calls for holiday-makers to take care this weekend. The National Safety Council has called on drivers to avoid speeding, dangerous driving, and drinking and driving. The Minister of State responsible for road safety, Mr Bobby Molloy, has echoed this call, and has praised the new Garda National Traffic Policy Bureau for its successes to date. The Guardian Direct insurance company has welcomed the extension of Operation Lifesaver and is calling on motorists to take extreme caution over the holiday weekend.
The Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Dr Woods, has called on holidaymakers to make safety a priority this weekend. He said the number of reported incidents involving pleasure craft has nearly doubled in the last three years, and advised people to use lifejackets, to check weather forecasts, and to carry adequate communications equipment.