A total of 195 people have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the October bank holiday roads policing operation, according to An Garda Síochána.
The nationwide operation began on Thursday, October 22, and will continue until Tuesday, October 27, as gardaí step up enforcement measures to improve road safety.
Three people have died in three separate fatal collisions since the operation began, bringing the number of fatalities on Irish roads so far this year to 154.
Gardaí have also detected more than 4,190 speeding offences during the first four days of the operation.
Among the most serious offences recorded on Monday, October 26, was a driver travelling at 159km/h in an 80km/h zone on the R178 at Dundalk, Co Louth.
Other incidents included a motorist detected travelling at 100km/h in a 50km/h zone on Church Road in Carndonagh, Co Donegal.
In Co Kildare, a driver was caught travelling at 83km/h in a 60km/h zone on the N81 at Ballymore Eustace, while another motorist was detected driving at 135km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N7 at Kill.
More than 380 drivers have also been detected holding a mobile phone while driving or failing to wear a seatbelt during the first five days of the operation.
As part of the enforcement campaign, gardaí are carrying out mandatory intoxicant testing checkpoints alongside regular, high-visibility road policing checkpoints across the country.
An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority have renewed their appeal to all road users to take extra care and help prevent further tragedies over the bank holiday period.
Gardaí have specifically highlighted the need to protect vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, who face increased risks in darker conditions.
“An Garda Síochána is urging road users to be mindful of and take extra care around vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians and cyclists,” a statement said.
The public has also been reminded that pedestrians and cyclists should ensure they are clearly visible and remain aware of their surroundings.
Motorists are being urged to reduce their speed, obey posted limits, never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, wear seatbelts and avoid distractions from mobile devices.
“Road safety needs to be a priority for everyone. Slow down and adhere to the speed limit. Never drive under the influence of drink or drugs,” gardaí said.
The statement added that all road users have a responsibility to help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.
The roads policing operation will remain in place until Tuesday, October 27, with gardaí continuing to target dangerous driving and other offences throughout the remainder of the bank holiday period.
