Irish Examiner view: Personal responsibility and enforcement both have a role in road safety

Despite the recent heartbreaking deaths, National Slow Down Day shows that motorists are continuing to drive at speed

Justice Minister Helen McEntee speaking to media on Monday, National Slow Down Day. Despite the well-publicised initiative and recent tragedies in Tipperary and elsewhere, more than 300 drivers were caught speeding that day. Picture: David Young/PA 

The appalling death toll on our roads in recent weeks has led, unsurprisingly, to calls for emergency legislation and extra gardaí, and it was no surprise when a National Slow Down Day was announced for last Monday.

However, any expectation that the carnage of the last month would influence driving behaviour seems hopelessly optimistic.