Woman using two mobile phones among 54 distracted drivers detected with unmarked Garda HGV in Cork
The unmarked HGV used by gardaí in Cork to detect people using their phones while driving
A woman using two mobile phones while driving was among 54 distracted drivers detected with the unmarked Garda HGV in Cork this week.
The lorry cab, which targets drivers using a mobile phone or other electronic devices, was used in Cork county, on the M8 and M25 motorways, and in Cork city centre in advance of the St. Brigid's bank holiday weekend.
According to gardaí, mobile phones are the "number one distraction" to drivers on the roads and statistics show that making a call makes a driver "four times more likely to be involved in a collision".
As well as that, texting makes a driver 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
Gardaí say, "it is not possible to give driving your full attention and keep your eyes on the road if you are busy swiping through your phone apps and notifications."
Commenting on the figures, chief superintendent, Colm O'Sullivan said: "Driving any vehicle requires 100% attention, 100% of the time. A driver cannot do so if their attention is elsewhere, such as viewing social media posts or texting while driving.
"Any use of a mobile phone or other devices when driving distracts your attention from your driving, and it is highly likely that you will be involved in a collision.
"I would encourage all drivers and other road users over this Bank Holiday weekend, to concentrate on their use of the roads. When driving, concentrate solely on your driving, and never drive when under the influence of any intoxicant.
"If cycling or walking on the roads, be aware of your environment and other conditions, such as weather and daylight. Cyclists and pedestrians using the roads at night must be visible to other road users, so please light up and wear reflective clothing.
"Together, let’s make this Bank Holiday weekend a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone."
Gardaí are conducting an "extensive" roads policing operation throughout the entire St Brigid's bank holiday weekend.
The operation began at 7am on Thursday morning, and will continue until 7am on Tuesday.
During the first 48 hours of the operation, there were three fatalities on our roads. This brings the total number of fatalities on Irish roads this year to 14.
So far under the operation, a total of 63 people have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Over 580 drivers have also been caught speeding during the first 48 hours of the operation.
Notable top speeds detected include:
- 86kph in a 50kph zone on the R661, Holycross, Tipperary.
- 106kph in a 60kph zone on the R702, Ballyellin and Tomdarragh, Goresbridge, Co. Carlow
- 116kph in an 80kph zone on the N55, Lissoy, Glasson, Co. Westmeath.
- 139kph in a 100kph zone on the N4, Culleen Beg, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.
These figures are in spite of there being a reduced number of motorists using the roads, while communities continue to deal with the effects of Storm Éowyn.
According to gardaí, "the risk of a fatal or serious injury road traffic collision is at its highest between midday and 3pm on each of the four days of the bank holiday weekend."
They are urging the public to use the roads with care.
In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said: "An Garda Síochána is appealing all road users to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
"Drivers and all other road users are being reminded to plan ahead and organise a safe way home if socialising over the coming days.
"All drivers who are taking to the roads this weekend are reminded to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention."
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