Gardai are urging drivers to slow down after 90 people were killed or seriously injured in June bank holiday collisions in the last five years.
The June Bank Holiday Road Safety Appeal and National Slow Down Day is focusing on enforcing speed limits and other life saving offences this weekend.
There have been 70 fatalities on the road in 2022 so far - an increase of 26 deaths compared to the same date last year.
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At the launch, the results of a study on speeding on urban roads was presented and showed that over three quarters (78 percent) of drivers were speeding.
At the weekend, 93 percent of drivers broke the speed limit with over half the drivers (51percent) driving at speeds of 10km/h or higher in 50km/h speed zones.
“The number of drivers observed speeding in the RSA’s recent study in 50km/h zones is very concerning," said Minister for State Hildegarde Naughton.
“These are speed zones that are rich in pedestrians and cyclists, vulnerable road users.
“Reducing the risk posed to vulnerable road users in these speed zones and encouraging safer, greener active travel is one of the key priorities of the new Government Road Safety Strategy.
“It is important to remember that we all have a shared responsibility as individuals and a society to slow down to and protect ourselves and other road users.”
Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority Liz O’Donnell said: “The faster you drive, the more likely you are to be involved in a collision which could result in death or serious injury.
“There are some drivers who continually ignore our speed limits and put themselves and others at risk.
“By slowing down you give yourself time and space to react to something unexpected around the next corner, like a tractor emerging from a field or a group of cyclists."
Garda Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman warned that you can also get in trouble with the law if you speed.
He said: “Remember that speeding is not worth the potential devastating loss of life or serious injury but also isn’t worth the very real risk of losing your licence.
"If you are detected speeding you will receive three penalty points on your licence, if you get 12 penalty points in three years you will lose your licence for six months.
“A lower threshold of 7 points applies for learner drivers. Think of the impact a disqualification would have not only on your daily life but those who rely on you – family, friends, partners.”
And RSA CEO Sam Waide added: “Studies have repeatedly shown that drivers overestimate the amount of time they can gain by speeding. This is known as the speed fallacy.
“So, while you might gain one or two minutes of journey time you risk losing your licence and potentially your livelihood.”
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