Gardai arrest speeding N17 driver for 'highly dangerous' speed on 100km/h road
The driver was stopped after overtaking a number of vehicles at high speed on a double continuous white line
Gardai have arrested a speeding driver who was doing “highly dangerous” speeds on the N17 border road between Galway and Mayo.
The incident occurred during speed checks carried out by Roads Policing Unit as part of An Garda Síochána’s October bank holiday road safety campaign.
Gardaí said the vehicle was travelling at 153km/h and had only one working headlight. The driver was stopped after overtaking a number of vehicles at high speed on a double continuous white line.
The motorist failed a roadside breath test and was arrested. Subsequent testing revealed that the driver was almost four times over the legal alcohol limit, according to Gardaí.
The individual has been charged with multiple offences and is due to appear before the courts in due course.
The vehicle was also seized under Section 109 of the Road Traffic Act. The registered owner must now apply to a District Court judge for its return.
An Garda Síochána reminded the public that drink-driving offences can carry a driving disqualification, a fine of up to €5,000 and a prison sentence of up to six months, depending on the circumstances and applicable penalties.
The Roads Policing Unit continues to carry out enforcement checks as part of the bank holiday campaign, with motorists urged to comply with speed limits, follow road markings and never drive after consuming alcohol.
Speaking about their October Bank Holiday operation, a spokesman for gardai told Galway Live: “Throughout this weekend's Roads Policing operation, Gardaí are conducting both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing checkpoints and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints. To date under this operation, a total of 195 people were arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol and drugs).
“Just over 4,190 drivers were detected for speeding offences during the first four days of the operation.
“In the first five days of the operation, more than 380 drivers were detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.
“An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority are urging all road users to support their efforts to keep people safe on the roads after this October bank holiday weekend.
“An Garda Síochána is urging road users to be mindful of and take extra care around vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians and cyclists. Cyclists and pedestrians should ensure they are clearly visible in darker conditions and always observe their surroundings.
“Road safety needs to be a priority for everyone. Slow down and adhere 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. All road users have a part to play in people arriving at their destination safely this weekend.”