National Slow Down Day Begins
Today, December 20th, marks National Slow Down Day. This is a period of twenty-four hours where there are increased speeding checkpoints as well as more road safety policing. The aim of National Slow Down Day is to increase awareness around road safety issues and get people to adhere to the rules of the road to create a safer travelling environment for all road users. Drivers are encouraged to use this day to reflect on their own driving, decreasing the speed they drive at and ensuring that they are mindful of other road users such as cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians who rely on drivers to use the road safely alongside them.
In conjunction with the road safety authority, An Garda Siochana will be putting increased focus on speeding from 7am today for the next twenty-four hours. Road users are being asked to remain extra vigilant and cautious throughout the Christmas period due to the increased levels of traffic and pedestrians using the country’s roads.
Speaking about National Slow Down Day, Taoiseach Simon Harris paid homage to the “167 people who lost their lives on Irish roads” in 2024 saying: “One road fatality is one too many. Sadly, there are too many dinner tables this Christmas that will have an empty seat.” He continued by pleading with people to obey the rules of the road in order to ensure that incidents such as the ones that took place this year do not happen again. “Please obey speed limits, wear seatbelts and do not take chances on the roads. It is not worth the risk of significant injury or worse, the loss of life.”
“I am pleading with road users not to use mobile phones while driving. Avoid any distractions and do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
He also asked pedestrians to ensure that they protect their own safety by being as visible as possible to drivers. “Pedestrian and cyclist safety is another key consideration this Christmas. Please wear helmets and high-visibility clothing and lighting so drivers are alerted to your presence on the road.”
Simon Harris concluded by asking road users to be united in the effort to reduce the number of road traffic collisions witnessed on Irish roads each year. “Ireland has witnessed a lot of tragedy on our roads this year. Ultimately, road safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone must work together to create a safer road environment through cautious driving, adherence to the rules and respect for others on the road.”
