Almost 80% of road fatalities so far this year have occurred on roads where an 80 kilometre per hour speed limit applies.
National Slow Down Day began at 7 O'clock this morning until the same time tomorrow morning.
The annual campaign from the Road Safety Authority and Gardai calls on motorists to reduce their speed.
113 people have died on Irish roads this year.
Garda Superintendent Thomas Murphy says more checkpoints will be out, but the message is valid every day:
An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are urging motorists to reduce their speed and be mindful of vulnerable road users ahead of ‘Slow Down Day’, a national speed enforcement operation for a 24hr period from 07.00 on 21st October to 07.00 on 22nd October 2021. pic.twitter.com/8KzExD5nNP
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) October 20, 2021
Rural roads are being targetted with speed checks today.
Gardaí are focusing on the routes, as almost four out of five road fatalities so far this year have occurred on roads where an 80 kilometre per hour speed limit applies.
Brian Farrell from the Road Safety Authority says a concerning trend is emerging on rural roads

€1.2m Approved For Zipline And High Ropes Adventure Centre At Donadea
Christmas Appeal To Adopt Dogs As Euthanasia Figures Rise
Speed Enforcement To Increase In Kildare With 21 New Camera Zones To Be Rolled Out In January
Over 400 Motorists Caught Speeding So Far Today, Including A Driver In Kilcock
Transport Minister In Discussions With Irish Rail About Extending Late-Night Trains Beyond Christmas
Tadhg And Mary Should Be Looking Forward To Christmas, Say Gardai As Fresh Appeal Launched
Bus Shelters Treated As Luxury Rather Than Standard, With 500 Kildare Bus Stops In Need Of Upgrades
Recruitment Announcements Don’t Add Up As Garda Numbers Stagnant In Kildare South, Says Local TD