An Garda Síochána and Road Safety Authority Launch October Bank Holiday Road Safety Appeal

As the October Bank Holiday weekend is upon us An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are calling on all road users to stay safe and make safety a priority during this busy time. Bank Holiday weekends are among the busiest periods on Irish roads and they also come with a higher risk of road traffic collisions that can result in serious injuries or fatalities. In 2025, 138 lives have been lost in road traffic collisions to date. With the clocks going back this Sunday and shorter daylight hours ahead, road safety becomes even more critical. An Garda Síochána is reminding everyone to ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ . Drivers are advised to use dipped headlights during the day, particularly if their vehicle doesn’t have Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), to ensure maximum visibility. Pedestrians and cyclists should also wear high-visibility clothing, especially as the evenings get darker. Statistics show that pedestrian injuries on Irish roads rise significantly between October and December. An Garda Síochána is conducting a special road traffic enforcement operation throughout the October Bank Holiday weekend, starting at 7:00 AM on Thursday, 23rd October 2025 and continuing until 7:00 AM on Tuesday, 28th October 2025. Every member of An Garda Síochána on duty will be actively involved in enforcement, focusing on key risk behaviours, such as: - Speeding - Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs - Mobile phone use while driving - Non-compliance with seat belt laws