National Slow Down Day 2023, When is National Slow Down Day 2023?
by Srinithi
Updated Sep 04, 2023
National Slow Down Day 2023
An Garda Síochána, the Irish police force, initiated a nationwide speed enforcement operation known as "Slow Down."
The primary aim of this effort was to enhance road safety by reducing excessive speeding and promoting responsible driving behavior among motorists. The operation involved increased vigilance and enforcement of speed limits on roads across Ireland, with a focus on curbing the risk of accidents and safeguarding the well-being of all road users.
When is National Slow Down Day 2023?
National Slow Down Day, occurring from 07:00 hrs on Monday, September 4th, to 07:00 hrs on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023, is a significant road safety initiative in Ireland. Led by An Garda Síochána in partnership with the Road Safety Authority (RSA), it aims to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding and reduce road accidents.
During this 24-hour period, law enforcement officers intensify speed limit enforcement across the country, encouraging responsible driving behavior. By focusing on curbing excessive speeds, National Slow Down Day strives to enhance road safety, protect lives, and foster a culture of safe driving on Irish roads.
National Slow Down Day History
In 2023, Irish roads have witnessed a concerning rise in fatalities, with 127 lives lost so far. This marks a troubling increase of 23 deaths compared to the same period in 2022 and a staggering 38 more than 2019. Disturbingly, young individuals under 25 constitute one-third of these casualties, and pedestrians account for nearly one-fourth. Additionally, passengers in vehicles contribute to a quarter of the fatalities, and August has emerged as a particularly perilous month.
To address this alarming trend, An Garda Síochána's "Slow Down" campaign seeks to remind drivers of the perils of speeding and enhance compliance with speed limits, especially as schools reopen. With speeding being a significant factor in road accidents, this initiative aims to reduce fatalities and protect vulnerable road users.
National Slow Down Day Speed Limit
During the initial two hours of National Slow Down Day, GoSafe carried out speed checks on 15,786 vehicles, revealing that 50 of them were exceeding the designated speed limits. Some notable instances of high speeds included drivers going 134km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N11, 155km/h in a 120km/h zone on the M6, and 139km/h in a 120km/h zone on the M18.
These incidents underscore the importance of adhering to speed limits to prevent accidents, safeguard lives, and minimize road-related injuries. An Garda Síochána continues to urge drivers to drive responsibly and within the prescribed speed limits to enhance road safety.
National Slow Down Day 2023-FAQ
National Slow Down Day is crucial because it aims to address the rising number of road fatalities in Ireland, with 127 deaths in 2023. This initiative emphasizes the dangers of speeding, especially among young individuals under 25, and pedestrians.
National Slow Down Day 2023 is a nationwide speed enforcement operation initiated by An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in Ireland. It spans 24 hours, from 07:00 hrs on Monday, September 4th, to 07:00 hrs on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023, with the goal of promoting responsible driving behavior and reducing speeding-related accidents.
In 2023, there has been a troubling increase in road fatalities, with 127 lives lost, compared to the same period in 2022 and 2019. Young individuals and pedestrians are particularly affected.
During the first two hours of National Slow Down Day, GoSafe identified 50 vehicles exceeding speed limits, including cases like 134km/h in a 100km/h zone and 155km/h in a 120km/h zone.
Drivers can play a significant role in enhancing road safety by complying with speed limits and driving responsibly. The initiative's goal is to reduce fatalities and create a culture of safe driving on Irish roads, not only on National Slow Down Day but throughout the year.