Comment: Slow down, please... and save lives and reduce injuries on our roads
An Garda Síochána’s dedicated road traffic enforcement operation is continuing throughout the festive period.
It began on 1st December, 2025 and will continue until January 5, 2026.
Its aim is simple: to save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.
At time of going to print, 184 people had died on Irish roads so far this year, up more than 20 on the same time last year.
Recent weeks have been particularly devastating on our roads as five families' lives were shattered with the loss of five young friends in a horror collision outside Dundalk on 15th November, while just nine days later, two men lost their lives in a multi-vehicle collision in Gormanston that also left two a woman and teenager in a critical condition.
The Dundalk accident was the worst loss of life in a single accident in well over a decade and it was a tragedy that touched many lives and brought untold heartache to communities across the north east including Drumconrath, Ardee and Carrickmacross.
People can get lost in statistics, they can seem cold and clinical.
The reality is 184 families, will be facing into Christmas this week without their loved one at the table.
And it’s not just Christmas dinners but milestones, anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, everything… just wiped out in an instant.
The Road Safety Authority has a number of good TV and radio campaigns running to warn against the dangers of drink driving, drug driving, speed etc. But, unfortunately, the message doesn’t seem to be getting through.
With increased populations, and more traffic on the roads, it’s incumbent on everyone to take greater care.
The Christmas period is one of the busiest on Irish roads. It is also one of the periods during which road users are at the highest risk of being involved in a fatal or serious road traffic collision.
This year’s Christmas and New Year road safety garda appeal focuses on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and the devastating loss of life and serious injuries it can cause.
An Garda Síochána is appealing to all those that will be taking to the roads over the festive period to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention.
Anyone who is out socialising with colleagues, friends and family over the festive period is asked to please plan ahead for your journey. Leave the car at home. Use taxis, public transport and designated drivers where possible and avoid driving the following morning while still under the influence.
When you are making your New Year’s resolutions, put road safety front and centre of your mind.
For pedestrians and cyclists – light up and be seen.
For motorists – belt up, slow down, put the phone away, and never, ever drink and drive. The life you save could be someone you love, someone sitting next to you on Christmas Day. What could be more important or precious than that?
Happy Christmas!
The management and staff of Meath Chronicle wish all our readers and advertisers a very happy and safe Christmas and health and happiness in 2026.
And don’t forget, the paper is out again next Tuesday