Gardaí and RSA carrying out 24-hour speed enforcement throughout county

An Garda Síochána Westmeath, in partnership with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and other stakeholders, are carrying out a 24-hour nationwide speed enforcement operation today, Monday, as part of National SlowDown Day.

It began at midnight and continues till 11.59pm, aiming to promote safer driving and reduce speed-related collisions nationwide, coinciding with the first full week of schools reopening across the country.

In a social media post, An Garda Síochána Westmeath, stated that a speed enforcement operation will be in place throughout the county as part of national #SlowDownDay.

'As schools return across the country and the roads getting busier, we would urge all motorists to slow down and keep within the speed limits especially in built up areas, where many young children will be walking or cycling to school.

'Not only will there be multiple Roads Policing Units operating during this period, there will also be a no of Go Safe vehicles in the county.

'Also please ensure that children are sitting in the appropriate car seats when travelling to school even if it's only a 2 minute drive!', the social media post said.

An Garda Síochána conducts several high-profile National #SlowDown Days each year, aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of speeding. These operations serve to remind motorists of the serious risks associated with excessive or inappropriate speed, promote greater compliance with speed limits and support efforts to deter and detect dangerous driving behaviours.

Driving above the legal speed limit—or at a speed unsuitable for current road, weather or traffic conditions—not only endangers the driver but also puts other road users at significant risk. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to respond to unexpected hazards and increases the likelihood of losing control, which can result in serious or fatal collisions.

Speeding can have devastating consequences—not just for the driver, but for other innocent road users. The faster a vehicle is travelling, the more severe the impact in the event of a collision.

Updates will be provided during the course of the operation.

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