An Garda Síochána is conducting an extensive roads policing operation this August bank holiday weekend. It began on Thursday morning and continues until next Tuesday morning.
During the weekend Gardaí will focus on the four lifesaver offences in an effort to ensure that all road users get home safe this weekend.
1. Speeding
2. Driving under the influence of an intoxicant
3. Using a mobile phone while driving
4. Not wearing a seatbelt
The August Bank Holiday weekend is traditionally very busy on Irish roads. People use the long weekend as an opportunity to enjoy summer staycations, travel to family and friends and enjoy the many festivals and amenities across the country.
As of Tuesday morning 105 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions in Ireland. Last year saw the highest number of deaths on Irish roads in a decade. This year’s figures are significantly higher (+13) compared to the same time last year.
Assistant Commissioner Denis Ferry, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, said, “The current level of fatalities on Irish roads and the tragic increase we’ve observed over the past few years is very concerning. Each fatality is not just a number; it is a person with a family, friends, colleagues and a community.”
“These rising fatalities are symptomatic of a bigger and very worrying concern around road safety in general. We are repeatedly seeing high levels of detections and enforcement activity by our members due to sustained non-compliance with road traffic laws by road users.
“Road safety needs to be a priority for everyone. The August Bank Holiday weekend is traditionally very busy on our roads. Our message is simple: slow down, put your mobile phone away, wear your seatbelt and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These simple actions will help save a life this weekend.”
During the first half of 2026, an average of one driver was arrested by An Garda Síochána every hour of every day for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. That’s over 4,600 arrests between January 1 and June 30.
During the same time period this year:
• Over 119,000 fixed charge notices were issued for speeding
• Over 14,500 fixed charge notices were issued for using a mobile phone while driving
• Over 3,000 fixed charge notices were issued for not wearing a seatbelt
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney, said, “The August Bank Holiday weekend is a wonderful time for everyone to enjoy. When you are out and about this weekend, I would urge you to take care, slow down, pay attention to your surroundings and do not take unnecessary risks.”
“Too many families and communities have already experienced devastating loss this year, with road fatalities higher in the first half of 2026 than during the same period last year. Please make safety your number one priority. Everyone has a right to feel safe on our roads – let’s work together to do that.”
Michael Rowland, Director of Research, Standards and Assurance, Road Safety Authority, commented, “Overall, 57% of fatalities occurred on higher speed roads with a speed limit of 80km/h or greater. Tragically, there has been a significant increase in fatalities among young people. Those aged 16-25 years account for 27% of all deaths this year.”
“Weekends are also a problem, with two in five of all fatalities occurring on Saturday and Sunday, while one quarter of fatalities occurred between 12pm-4pm and a further 24% between 8pm-12am.”
“The choices we make behind the wheel matter. We are asking all road users, particularly drivers, to exercise caution when using the roads this weekend.”
“We know from coroner data that alcohol plays a major role in fatal collisions. We are asking drivers who are out socialising this weekend to leave the keys at home, identify a designated driver to get home safely, and never drink and drive. Also, never get into a car with a driver who has consumed alcohol.”
“Finally, remember you may still be impaired the morning after a night out, so bear this in mind if you are thinking about driving the next morning.”
