Garda Commissioner urges drivers to 'cut out' bad behaviour over bank holiday weekend

The Garda Commissioner Drew Harris is appealing to motorists to cut out any behaviour that may impact their driver when travelling over the bank holiday weekend.

Ahead of what will be one of the busiest weekends on the roads this year, gardai are warning there will be a significant increase in checkpoints and gardai patrols between now and next Tuesday morning.

Extra speed cameras will also be in place over the bank holiday weekend.

Five people died on Irish roads last weekend and, as of this Thursday evening, 113 people have been killed since the beginning of 2024.

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Speaking at an event in Limerick, Commissioner Harris said his advice to motorists is straight forward. "Some of this is quite simple - don't drink or consume drugs and drive; don't speed, wear your seat belt and make sure that when you are going out on your journey that you are not distracted with your mobile phone," he said.

While investigations are ongoing into many fatal collisions and crashes, Commissioner Harris added that a significant number of road deaths are preventable.

"People were speeding, people were driving under the influence (of an intoxicant), people were distracted so cut out all those activities and keep yourself safe and keep other road users safe," he said.

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