Ireland

Garda Commissioner Directs Half-Hour Road Safety Activity per Shift for Gardaí

Published

8 months ago

April 11, 2024

Commissioner Drew Harris said An Garda Síochána must continue to adapt its policing initiatives to increase safety on Irish roads

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has mandated all uniformed gardaí to dedicate 30 minutes per shift to road safety activities, responding to a concerning increase in fatal road traffic collisions.

International policing strategies involving all police officers in traffic-related duties for increased visibility and compliance served as a model for this directive.

Each Regional Assistant Commissioner will enforce this directive for all uniformed personnel, ensuring high-visibility road policing operations during each tour of duty.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin highlighted concerns in the Dáil regarding the lack of data sharing on-road collisions, emphasizing the urgent need for resolution.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee underscored the challenges posed by speeding, drunk driving, and uninsured drivers, emphasizing the role of effective enforcement measures.

McEntee stressed the importance of roadworthiness, insurance compliance, and frontline gardaí in enforcing road safety laws alongside specialized units.

According to McEntee, increasing garda numbers beyond 15,000 is a top priority to bolster enforcement and enhance road safety efforts.

Liz O’Donnell, chair of the Road Safety Authority, expressed deep concern at the widespread non-compliance on Irish roads, advocating for the urgent installation of average-speed cameras.

O’Donnell emphasized observational studies revealing troubling levels of non-compliance, emphasizing comprehensive efforts to address road safety issues.

Commissioner Harris’ directives reflect a proactive stance by An Garda Síochána to address road safety challenges and ensure compliance.

Government officials and road safety advocates stress the urgency of addressing challenges such as data sharing, uninsured drivers, and dangerous driving behaviours.

Collaborative efforts between law enforcement, policymakers, and relevant authorities are crucial in creating safer roads and reducing traffic-related incidents.

Enhanced visibility through high-visibility road policing operations aids in promoting compliance and reducing risky driving behaviours.

Data-sharing improvements are essential to understanding trends, identifying risk factors, and implementing targeted road safety measures.

Public awareness campaigns and education complement enforcement efforts, encouraging responsible driving behaviours among motorists.

Continued monitoring and evaluation of road safety initiatives are vital to ensuring their effectiveness and addressing evolving challenges.

Installing advanced technologies like average-speed cameras aligns with global best practices, significantly reducing speeding and improving road safety overall.