Donegal driver was speeding at 190kph in a 100kph limit

The top speeding detections across the country were released as part of the Gardai’s ‘National Slow Down Day,’ which takes place today, Friday.

The Donegal motorist was detected speeding on the N15 Cloghfin Castlefinn, Donegal.

A motorist was also detected driving at the same speed on the N52 Gorteen, Mullingar in Westmeath.

The ‘National Slow Down Day’ initiative will see An Garda Síochána conduct a major speed enforcement operation in a bid to reduce speed-related collisions and injuries.

Slow Down Day began at 7am on Friday and will run until 7am on Saturday, and consist of high-visibility Garda activities in all 1,031 speed enforcement zones.

Updates will be available throughout the day using #slowdownday.

Speaking in advance of Slow Down Day, Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid of the Roads Policing Bureau said: “The aim of Slow Down Day is to remind motorists the dangers of speeding, to increase compliance with speed limits and to deter them from driving at excessive speeds. We will be activating a major speed enforcement operation in counties across Ireland tomorrow and as part of this we are urging all road users to join us in reducing speed and making our roads safe.

“There has been a significant increase in road deaths this year compared to 2015 and unfortunately, excessive speed is a major contributory factor in the majority these.”

He added: “This is not just a catchphrase, but a stark fact proven by the analysis of four years of fatal collision reports. The higher the speed, the greater the likelihood of a collision happen and the more severe outcome of that collision. Recognising this fact will not only protect you, but all those who share the road with you. It is everyone’s responsibility to act safe.

“As a general rule, a 1% reduction in average speed will bring about a 4% reduction in fatal collisions. With this in mind, we are urging every road user to please play their part in reducing speed and risk on the roads tomorrow. Of course, this is a message we would advise people to heed every day of the year, not just Slow Down Day.”

Gardaí have also launched a nationwide primary school competition as part of the initiative, in which young pupils are being urged to ‘name the newest Garda member’. It will run until the end of October and more information can be found on the Garda Facebook page.

Schoolchildren are also being encouraged as part of Slow Down Day to engage with Gardaí online by posing questions through the @gardatraffic twitter page and An Garda Síochána Facebook.