Friday 28 August National 'Slow Down' Day

Friday 28 August has been declared Nation 'Slow Down' Day, a campaign lead by An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority.

As part of the campaign, gardaí will conduct an intensive national speed enforcement operation for 24 hours from 07.00 on Friday 28 to 07.00 on Saturday 29th August 2015.

National 'Slow Down' Day aims to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.

Public and private sector fleet operators have been invited to participate in the initiative by circulating employees with the key message to 'Slow Down' and, whether driving for business or private purposes, to always drive within the speed limit and at a speed appropriate to the prevailing conditions.

The operation will consist of Garda high visibility speed enforcement activities on both national primary and secondary roads. All speed enforcement technologies will be utilised, including all laser handheld speed detection devices, Garda safety camera vans and in-car speed detection systems. 

GoSafe vehicles will also be deployed on the day in speed enforcement zones where serious and fatal injury collisions have occurred.

In addition to enforcement, the Garda website and in particular social media sites will be actively used to promote this initiative.

The public can play their part by slowing down and showing support via the Garda facebook page but also reducing speed. An accompanying poster in both English and Irish is provided to download, print and distribute.

Superintendent Con O’ Donohue, Garda National Traffic Bureau said today: "Although fewer people have lost their lives on our roads this year compared to last year, we can never afford to be complacent and say the job is done. A significant number of people still drive too fast at times. The 'Slow Down' day has a simple aim, to get people to slow down. This will reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads."

(MH)