On Saturday 7th of May, An Garda Síochána ran a targeted mobile phone operation between 10am and 1pm.
The operation was made public knowledge as Garda gave advanced warning of this operation.
Despite this over 110 drivers were caught with mobiles phones whilst driving during the hours of the operation.
Last year, the average daily detection was 76 people per day.
And this isn’t the end of these operations, An Garda Síochána are reminding drivers that there will be many more in the coming days.
Although license penalties might be this first thing drivers think of, distracted drivers can also cause serious and even fatal road traffic collisions.
Gardaí are urging drivers to make the right choice and to put away the mobile phones and concentrate fully on their driving for the safety of themselves and all other drivers on the road.
Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid said:
"It is very disappointing to discover that, even with advance warning, in excess of 110 drivers were found holding a mobile phone whilst driving. There is no doubt such a distraction contributes to collisions.
"Any distraction, not only mobile phones, can cause a momentary lapse in concentration which could lead to your vehicle veering off course, or preventing you from noticing the red traffic light or the child playing on the road.
"This high risk behaviour must change, to make the roads safer for all. Please be aware that more such targeted operations will be taking place, so make that choice to put the mobile away.”
Moyagh Murdock CEO, Road Safety Authority also commented on the increase in numbers of drivers caught with their phones by saying:
"Your mobile phone makes you four times more likely to crash. But if you are texting you are a staggering twenty-three times more likely to be involved in a collision.
"When you use your mobile behind the wheel, taking your mind and eyes off the road for just a split second can destroy everything forever. We’re asking drivers to realise how their phones take their attention away from the task at hand.
"And having your full attention is never more important than when you have the lives of other road users in your hands.
"Switch off the phone, put it on silent or put it out of reach, but do whatever you need to remove the temptation to use the phone while driving.”
