Drivers warned to slow down during Covid-19 restrictions

THE Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána have expressed concern at the number of drivers being detected driving at excessive speed despite travel restrictions due to Covid-19.

GoSafe vans have recorded drivers driving at extreme speed while there is a substantial reduction in traffic volumes. One vehicle was detected driving at 91 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on the R750 in Merrymeeting, Rathnew, while another vehicle was detected going at153km/h in a 120 zone on the M11 at Coolacork, Glenealy.

Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson, Road Safety Authority warned: ‘ Traffic may be at a reduced level but there are still cars and trucks using the roads and everyone – motorists and walkers must remember that those rules have not been suspended or changed. Those out walking should take measures to ensure their safety like wearing bright or reflective clothing.

‘Drivers need to slow down and anticipate increased numbers of people out walking and cycling. I’d also ask drivers to please be conscious of the fact that people out walking will be trying to adhere to social distancing so may have to cross or step out on the road.

‘Again, this means you need to slow down and expect the unexpected. Just because the roads are less congested does not give you licence to speed or drive while impaired through drink or drugs. To those who are using the current difficulties the country faces as an opportunity to get away with irresponsible driver behaviour, remember the Gardai are continuing to enforce lifesaving road safety laws.’

A total of 54 people have died on the roads so far in 2020, seven more than last year. This means that there has not been a significant reduction in road deaths, which might have been expected given reduced traffic volumes.

Since schools were closed on March 13 and up to April 29, there have been 17 road traffic fatalities. This compares to 18 fatalities over the same period last year.