Driver detected doing 143km/h in a 60km/h zone over bank holiday weekend

A motorist was detected driving at a speed of 143km/h in a 60km/h zone over the St. Brigid’s Day bank holiday weekend, in what was a period full of appalling road safety statistics.

Two people lost their lives on Irish roads during this period, and 11 serious collisions took place that resulted in 12 people receiving serious and life-threatening injuries.

This brings the total number of people killed on our roads to date in 2024 to 21 – two less than this time last year.

According to figures from An Garda Síochána’s roads policing operation, which was in place from 1st-6th of February, almost 3,000 drivers were detected speeding while 161 people were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Over 15 per cent of these arrests occurred between the hours of 06:00-14:00.

Some of the speeds detected over the six-day period include 143km/h in a 60km/h zone on the R700 in Knockavilla, New Ross, Co Wexford; 228km/h in a 120km/h zone on the M1 in Balgatheran, Drogheda, Co Louth; and 99km/h in a 50km/h zone on Cork Street, Dublin 8.

Others reckless speeds of note were 148km/h in an 80km/h zone on the R339 in Glenrevagh, Oranmore, Co Galway, and 153km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N61 in Carrownalassan, Co May.

A total of 61 people received a fixed charge notice for not wearing a seatbelt, while 215 unaccompanied learner drivers were penalised. More than 110 drivers were detected using a mobile phone.

In addition, over 420 vehicles were seized for having no tax or insurance, and in excess of 100 vehicles were seized from learner permit holders driving unaccompanied, according to Garda figures.