Gardaí appeal for careful driving over long weekend

Gardaí are appealing to drivers to slow down over the long weekend.

Nearly 45,000 penalty points notices were issued for speeding in the first three months of the year, up by 16% on last year.

Gardaí said they catch most offenders in urban areas, where there is a heightened risk of pedestrian casualties.

Slow down, be safe - drive at a speed that's appropriate to the conditions of the road … always be in a position to stop," said Assistant Garda Commissioner John Twomey.

"It's simple, common sense messages."