Gardaí urge drivers to slow down this bank holiday weekend
An Garda Síochána is urging road users to "slow down and think about other people on the road" this bank holiday weekend.
The police force highlighted that in the past five years, almost 50,000 drivers have been arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
It added that over one million speeding notices have been issued in the same time period by gardai and the force's road safety partner, GoSafe.
This August Bank Holiday weekend, An Garda Síochána will conduct an extensive roads policing operation, from Thursday morning (July 30) until Tuesday morning (August 4).
An Garda Síochána said that this enforcement operation will focus on the four “lifesaver offences” in an effort to ensure that all road users get home safe this weekend.
The four offences that will be focussed on are:
- Speeding;
- Driving under the influence of an intoxicant;
- Using a mobile phone while driving;
- Not wearing a seatbelt.
An Garda Síochána said: “The August Bank Holiday weekend is traditionally very busy on Irish roads.
"People use the long weekend as an opportunity to enjoy summer staycations, travel to family and friends and enjoy the many festivals and amenities across the country.
“Unfortunately, with an increase in road use comes a higher risk of fatal or serious injury road traffic collisions.”
Last year, 2025, saw the highest number of deaths on Irish roads in a decade.
This year's figures are higher (+13) compared to the same time last year.
Road traffic laws
An Garda Síochána said that it is seeing a notable increase in non-compliance with road traffic laws, though detections and enforcement statistics are also growing.
During the first half of 2026, an average of one driver was arrested by gardai every hour of every day for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
That is over 4,600 arrests between January 1 and June 30, 2026.
During the same time period this year:
- Over 119,000 fixed charge notices were issued for speeding;
- Over 14,500 fixed charge notices were issued for using a mobile phone while driving;
- Over 3,000 fixed charge notices were issued for not wearing a seatbelt.
Over 18,000 vehicles were seized by An Garda Síochána where the driver was found to have no insurance, no driving licence, no National Car Test (NCT) or Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT), or where they were an unaccompanied learner driver.
Research conducted by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) highlights that in 2026 (up to July) over a quarter of all road fatalities were persons aged between 16-25-years-old.
The RSA research further highlights that over 40% of fatalities occurred at the weekend, on Saturday or Sunday.
And over half of this year’s fatal road traffic collisions (57%) occurred on roads with a speed limit of 80kph or more.
‘Concerning’
Assistant commissioner for roads policing and community engagement, Denis Ferry said: "The current level of fatalities on Irish roads and the tragic increase we've observed over the past few years is very concerning.
"Each fatality is not just a number; it is a person with a family, friends, colleagues and a community.
"These rising fatalities are symptomatic of a bigger and very worrying concern around road safety in general.”
The assistant commissioner added that gardaí are “repeatedly” seeing high levels of detections and enforcement activity due to sustained non-compliance with road traffic laws by road users.
He also noted that the August Bank Holiday weekend sees a lot of traffic, and said: "Road safety needs to be a priority for everyone.
“Our message is simple: slow down, put your mobile phone away, wear your seatbelt and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“These simple actions will help save a life this weekend."
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney said: "Too many families and communities have already experienced devastating loss this year, with road fatalities higher in the first half of 2026 than during the same period last year.
“Please make safety your number one priority. Everyone has a right to feel safe on our roads – let’s work together to do that.”
RSA director of research, standards and assurance Michael Rowland added: "The choices we make behind the wheel matter.
"We are asking all road users, particularly drivers, to exercise caution when using the roads this weekend."
He added that coroner data has shown that alcohol plays a major role in fatal collisions.
Rowland said: “We are asking drivers who are out socialising this weekend to leave the keys at home, identify a designated driver to get home safely, and never drink and drive.
"Also, never get into a car with a driver who has consumed alcohol.
“If each of us takes personal responsibility for our behaviour, we can help ensure that everyone gets to their destination safely and that no family has to endure the heartbreak of a loved one not coming home this bank holiday weekend," he added.
