Driver caught travelling over twice the speed limit in Donegal

In the fourth week of the Christmas road traffic enforcement operation, a driver was caught at 140km/hr in a 60km/hr zone in Stranorlar. 

The speeding was clocked on the N15 in Mullandrait, Stranorlar. The other notable top speeds detected were 118km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the North Circular Road, Dublin 7, 167km/hr in an 80km/hr zone on the R430 road in Drumagh, Crettyard, Co. Laois, 207km/hr in a 100km/hr zone on the N18 in Ballinacurra (Weston), Co. Limerick and 164km/hr in a 120km/hr zone on the M9 in Yellowbogcommon, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare.

The Christmas period is one of the busiest on Irish roads. It is also one of the periods during which road users are at the highest risk of being involved in a fatal or serious road traffic collision. There were 3 fatalities on the roads and 8 serious collisions that resulted in a number of people receiving serious and life-threatening injuries.

To date, 189 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads.

Over the past week, An Garda Síochána carried out nearly 2,100 checkpoints, both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints. Through this, 149 people were arrested during this period for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol and drugs).

Over 4,600 drivers were detected for speeding offences by An Garda Síochána, along with Static Safety Cameras, and Mobile Safety Camera Vans, by our Road Safety Partners, GoSafe. Over 435 vehicles were seized by Gardaí for a range of offences under the Road Traffic Act, 1961.

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In addition, approximately 150 Fixed Charge Notices were issued for the offence of using a mobile phone while driving and approximately 45 Fixed Charge Notices were issued for seat belt offences.

“This year’s Christmas and New Year road safety appeal focuses on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and the devastating loss of life and serious injuries it can cause,” a garda spokesperson said. “An Garda Síochána is appealing to all those who will be taking to the roads over the Christmas period to slow down, take extra care and give your driving your full attention.”