Gardaí have revealed that 266 drivers were caught using their phones during a 24-hour nationwide enforcement operation, marking a sharp rise in detections compared to the daily average.
The crackdown, part of a national day of action, took place from January 15th to 16th and highlights the ongoing prevalence of phone use while driving. Garda figures show the daily average for such offences in 2024 stands at 60, making the latest detections more than four times higher than usual.
So far this year, 762 motorists have received Fixed Penalty Notices for phone use while driving, with offenders facing a €120 fine and three penalty points on their licence.
In 2023, over 21,500 drivers were issued penalties for the same offence, demonstrating the widespread nature of the problem.
Gardaí have issued a strong warning about the dangers of driving while using a phone.
They emphasize that it is a serious distraction that takes a driver’s eyes and attention off the road, posing a potentially life-threatening risk to themselves and others.
“Driving while using a phone is highly dangerous,” a Garda spokesperson said. “It’s not worth the risk to your life or someone else’s. Our advice is simple: just don’t do it.”
The enforcement effort is part of a broader strategy to tackle unsafe driving practices and reduce the number of collisions on Irish roads. Gardaí are urging all motorists to stay focused and prioritize safety to protect lives on the road.
