Almost 600 people were caught speeding during the National Slow Down Day traffic operation which took place this week.
From 7am on on December 23, to the same time on Christmas Eve, GoSafe checked the speed of 225,685 vehicles across Ireland.
Of those vehicles, 592 were caught driving in excess of the speed limit.
In Galway some of the offenders highlighted by Gardaí include a driver caught doing 140km/h in a 120km/h zone on the M18 at Pollataggle, Gort.
Also noted were a driver doing 76km/h in a 50km/h zone on the N6 at Ballinfoyle, and another caught doing 67km/h in a 50km/h zone on Church Street in Ballinasloe.
Assistant Commissioner, Roads Policing & Community Engagement Paula Hilman said, “We know from our enforcement activity that motorists continue to recklessly drive at speeds significantly above the posted speed limits.”
“This not only poses a serious risk to themselves and their passengers but to all the road users, especially vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists.”
More than 150 people have been killed on Irish roads this year, over 30 more than in the same period last year.
There have also been almost 1,200 crashes resulting in injuries, many of them of life-altering seriousness.
Sam Waide, CEO of Road Safety Authority said, “The roads are going to be very busy over the coming days with people travelling for Christmas and the New Year. Busy roads mean it may take to take longer to arrive at your destination.”
“My advice is to plan ahead, leave earlier if making a long journey, take frequent breaks to avoid driver tiredness and to slow down.”
“Remember the time savings you gain from speeding are miniscule so don’t put yourself or others at risk.”
Between December 24 – 31 of last year, nine people were killed on the roads in Ireland, and a further 30 suffered serious injuries.
“Let’s ensure that no more families are left grieving. Together we can make sure that all road users arrive home safe this Christmas,” Sam Waide added.
In Galway, a young man in his 20s lost his life in a single vehicle crash in the very early hours of Christmas Eve near Tuam.
