Ireland drivers are urged to adhere to speed limits as Gardaí ramp up road safety enforcement this week.
On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, a 24-hour speed enforcement blitz will take place as part of National Slowdown Day, in collaboration with GoSafe and other road safety organisations.
The initiative aims to highlight the dangers of speeding, encourage compliance with speed limits, and deter reckless driving. Speed enforcement zones, over 1,000 of which are spread across Ireland, will be a key focus of the crackdown.
The exact locations of these zones can be found on the Garda website.
A Garda spokesperson confirmed the operation, stating:
“An Garda Síochána will conduct a 24-hour national speed enforcement operation, National #SlowDown Day, supported by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and other stakeholders on Wednesday, 26th February 2025.”
They added:
“An Garda Síochána conducts several high-profile National #SlowDown Days each year. The goal is to remind motorists of the dangers of speeding, promote a national conversation on its impact, enhance compliance with speed limits, and deter reckless driving.”
Speeding Risks and Consequences
Gardaí emphasized that driving over the legal speed limit or at a speed unsuitable for road, weather, and traffic conditions endangers not only the driver but also other road users.
“Speeding reduces reaction time, increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle, and significantly raises the chances of a serious or fatal accident,” the spokesperson explained.
The consequences of speeding can be devastating, with higher speeds amplifying the severity of collisions. To underscore these risks, Gardaí shared alarming statistics:
- At 30 km/h, 1 in 10 pedestrians hit by a car will die.
- At 50 km/h, 5 in 10 pedestrians will die.
- At 60 km/h, 9 in 10 pedestrians will die.
Crackdown on Speeding Offenders
In 2024, Gardaí issued over 145,000 fixed charge notices for speeding violations—an average of nearly 400 detections per day. This year, they are urging employers to promote road safety within their organizations.
“As an employer, do you encourage good road safety practices for employees? Do you allow sufficient time for work journeys? Do you refrain from contacting employees while they are driving?” the spokesperson asked.
Gardaí stress that speeding remains one of the most dangerous driving behaviors, with excessive speeds increasing both the likelihood and severity of collisions.
As National Slowdown Day approaches, motorists are advised to reduce their speed, stay vigilant, and prioritize road safety.
