Big News Network.com
22 Apr 2025

DUBLIN, Ireland - An Garda Siochana's extensive road safety operation over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend resulted in three fatalities and over 2,800 speeding offences. The operation, which ran from 7am on Thursday, April 17, to 7am on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, aimed to curb dangerous driving behaviours and enhance road safety across Ireland.​

During this period, Gardai says it conducted more than 912 Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) checkpoints, administering over 4,500 breath tests and 213 oral fluid tests. These efforts led to 149 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.​

In addition to the three fatalities, there were 11 serious collisions resulting in 12 individuals sustaining serious or life-threatening injuries.​

Speeding remained a significant concern, with over 2,800 drivers detected exceeding speed limits. Notable instances included a vehicle clocked at 179 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on the R194 in Granard, Co. Longford, and another at 125 km/h in a 50 km/h zone on the R394 in Milltown, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath.​

Other traffic offences recorded during the operation encompassed 225 instances of mobile phone use while driving, over 160 unaccompanied learner drivers, and 73 cases of seatbelt non-compliance. Furthermore, Gardaí seized 109 vehicles from unaccompanied learner permit holders and 438 vehicles for lacking valid tax or insurance.​

An Garda Siochana said Tuesday, it continues to urge all road users to drive responsibly: avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, adhere to speed limits appropriate for road conditions, always wear seatbelts, and remain attentive while driving.