OVER A THOUSAND people were caught holding a mobile phone while driving last week, despite gardaí warning motorists that they would be clamping down.
Gardaí last week announced that on Thursday and Friday they would be on the lookout for those holding mobile phones while driving.
Despite the notice being carried across all media, 1,191 people didn’t heed the message.
Assistant Commissioner John Twomey of the Garda National Traffic Bureau said that the numbers were “disappointing”.
“[Those holding phones] were causing a risk for you or I on the roads.”
Twomey added that the detections were six times more than a regular week. He also said that gardaí will be targeting motorists who use phones under legislation that comes into force on Thursday.
“Absolutely we will be targeting those who are texting and driving this weekend.
“No call is that important.”
Under the new legislation, reading a text message will be added to the list of driving offences, but will carry a court summons, not just penalty points.
“Three people were killed on our roads last May Bank Holiday. People need to be safer for themselves.”
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