Gardai and RSA issue appeal for caution on on roads as wintry conditions kick in

Speaking today  Chief Superintendent Finbarr Murphy, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said, "An Garda Síochána is deeply saddened by the horrific death toll on Irish road over the past week. I want to take this opportunity to send our condolences to all of those affected by these tragic events. 
I appeal to all roads users to be extra vigilant - in particular on dark evenings and while using unlit or poorly lit roads.  Be safe, be seen, be careful and be on the alert for other road users.
It is with this in mind that Garda activity across the country will continue to focus on the offences that contribute most significantly to road traffic collisions, and in particular the offences of driving while intoxicated and speeding.
I would like to thank the majority of law abiding road users who act responsibly and support Garda initiatives. Your behaviour saves lives and I want to acknowledge this. However, despite this there are drivers who refuse to get the message.
To date in 2019, 634 drivers have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, three (3) of whom were arrested for drug driving offences at one checkpoint in Cavan in the past week. An Garda Síochána will continue our programme of testing as many people as possible at Mandatory Intoxicant Checkpoints, Road Traffic collisions and where a Road Traffic offence is detected.
We will also continue to work with our partners in ‘GoSafe’ to tackle the dangers associated with speed. The development of the safety camera zones has had an enormous impact on safety of our roads. This combined with An Garda Síochána’s own speed enforcement activities continues to form a key part of our strategy to reduce road deaths. To date in 2019, 2,920,553 motorists have been monitored by the Safety Camera network and while the majority of drivers have been compliant, 9,343 have been detected speeding.
There is no place on our roads for people who do not comply with legislation, these people are putting not only their own lives at risk but also the lives of all other road users.
Ms. Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority said, "We have had a dreadful week on our roads. Ten lives lost, four alone in a single collision in Co. Donegal.
I would appeal to road users to slow down, drive at the right speed for the conditions and watch out for vulnerable road users. Don’t drive when impaired through drink, drugs or fatigue and always wear a seatbelt and ensure passengers are wearing theirs too, no matter  how short the trip.