Almost 200 arrests for driving under the influence during ongoing bank holiday roads policing operation

More than 380 drivers were detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

Almost 200 people were arrested nationwide for driving under the influence of an intoxicant over the bank holiday weekend, with more than 4,000 caught speeding and close to 400 caught using a mobile phone or without a seatbelt.

A Garda Roads Policing operation, which began on Thursday and will continue throughout Tuesday, has so far seen three fatal collisions occur on Irish roads, bringing the total number of road deaths this year to 154.

This represents an additional 14 road deaths on the number recorded within the same timeframe of last year.

Throughout this weekend's roads policing operation, gardaí conducted both statutory mandatory intoxicant testing checkpoints and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints.

A total of 195 people have been arrested so far for driving under the influence of an intoxicant, including alcohol and/or drugs.

Just over 4,190 drivers were detected for speeding offences during the first four days of the operation, with notable speeds detected on Monday including 159km/h in an 80km/h zone on the R178 in Dundalk, Co Louth.

Further, more than 380 drivers were detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority are urging all road users to support their efforts to keep people safe on Irish roads.

"An Garda Síochána is urging road users to be mindful of and take extra care around vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians and cyclists," a garda spokesperson said.

"Cyclists and pedestrians should ensure they are clearly visible in darker conditions and always observe their surroundings.

"Road safety needs to be a priority for everyone.

"Slow down, adhere to the speed limit, and never drive under the influence of drink or drugs," they added.

"Wear your seatbelt and don’t get distracted by mobile devices when you are driving.

"All road users have a part to play in people arriving at their destination safely this weekend."