Over 1700 drivers caught speeding in first three days of May Bank Holiday

OVER 1400 DRIVERS were caught speeding in the first three days of the May Bank Holiday, while gardaí detected over 200 people using a mobile phone or not wearing seatbelts while driving. 

Gardaí are carrying out a special roads policing operation this Bank Holiday which includes high-visibility checkpoints and intoxicant testing. 

A Garda spokesperson said that a total of 77 people have been arrested for driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. 

Between 7 am on Thursday and 7 am today, there have been no fatalities as a result of traffic collisions. 

Advertisement

Road deaths have increased steadily in recent years, and to date this year 55 people have died in road incidents, which is an additional two deaths compared to the same period in 2025. 

Yesterday, Gardaí caught one driver going at 139 km/h in a 100 km/h in Killarney, while another driver in Kells was caught doing 97 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. 

An Garda Síochana and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are urging all road users to support their efforts to keep themselves and other road users safe over the rest of the Bank Holiday weekend. 

“Gardaí will be placing a particular emphasis on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs this weekend. At no point is it safe or acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having an intoxicant like alcohol or drugs,” a Garda spokesperson said. 

They added that walking home or cycling under the influence of drugs or alcohol can also put people at risk. 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More Support The Journal