Issue Date: 29/07/2026
• Since 2021, almost 50,000 drivers have been arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant
• Over one million speeding notices have been issued in the same time period by An Garda Síochána and our road safety partners, GoSafe
An Garda Síochána will conduct an extensive roads policing operation this August bank holiday weekend. It begins on Thursday morning, 30th July 2026 and continues until Tuesday morning, 4th August 2026. This enforcement operation 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.
Unfortunately, with an increase in road use comes a higher risk of fatal or serious injury road traffic collisions.
As of yesterday morning, Tuesday 28th July 2026, 105 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions in Ireland. Last year, 2025, 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.
These fatalities are symptomatic of a bigger, worrying trend in road safety. An Garda Síochána is seeing a notable increase in non-compliance with road traffic laws. Detections and enforcement statistics are increasing.
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 1st January and 30th June 2026.
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
Over 18,000 vehicles were seized by An Garda Síochána where the driver was found to have no insurance, no driving licence, no NCT/ CVRT or where they were an unaccompanied learner driver.
Research conducted by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) highlights that in 2026 (up to 26th July) over a quarter of all road fatalities were persons aged between 16 – 25 years old.
The RSA research further highlights that over 40% of fatalities occurred at the weekend, on Saturday or Sunday. And over half of this year’s fatal road traffic collisions (57%) occurred on roads with a speed limit of 80kph or more.
Research conducted by An Garda Síochána into detections and enforcement activity by our members over a five and half year period (from January 2021 to end of June 2026) shows a sustained disregard for road traffic laws.
Over half a million checkpoints were conducted during this period. The following detections were made:
• Over 1,000,000 speeding detections
• Over 150,000 detections for the offences of using a mobile phone while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt
• Over 150,000 vehicles were seized and detained under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act
• Almost 90,000 learner/ novice drivers were issued with a Fixed Charge Notice
Between January 2021 and June 2026, almost 50,000 drivers were arrested for driving while intoxicated.
Road safety needs to be a priority for everyone. Slow down and stick to the speed limit. Never drive under the influence of drink or drugs. Wear your seatbelt and don’t get distracted by mobile devices when you are driving. You can help get another person home safe this weekend.
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."
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: "With the August bank holiday weekend approaching, we are urging everyone using our roads to take extra care and make safety their top priority. This year has seen a deeply concerning increase in the number of people losing their lives on Irish roads.
"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. If each of us takes personal responsibility for our behaviour, we can help ensure that everyone gets to their destination safely and that no family has to endure the heartbreak of a loved one not coming home this bank holiday weekend."
