Irish drivers warned of WORST time to travel amid ‘busiest weekend on road' warning & M50 motorway traffic chaos NOW
The
Drivers are being urged to slow down and take care on the roads as we enter the August
And thousands heading to the All Together Now Festival in Waterford have been urged to be vigilant on the roads as millions take to the roads over the busy bank holiday this weekend.
Met Eireann have also warned people to be vigilant as we prepare for vicious Storm Floris to make landfall on Sunday night and bring "dangerous travelling conditions" into Monday.
Currently, traffic remains congested on the M50 between J4 Ballymum and J5 Finglas after a southbound collision.
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The incident has since been cleared but delays remain in the area.
M50 users face more delays southbound at J4 Ballymun due to a breakdown blocking the third lane.
A crash northbound on the M8 between J14 Fermoy and J13 Mitchelstown has also been cleared but traffic delays remain in the areas after the incident shut both the hard shoulder and lane one.
Cops have warned that this is "one of the busiest weekends on the roads".
MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN
Gardai and the RSA appealed to road users to take action and be careful on the roads this weekend as they revealed the best and worst times to drive.
Gardai and RSA measures aimed at driving crash deaths on Irish roads
According to the RSA's half-yearly report, which analyses fatalities between January 1 and July 27, there are certain times that are more dangerous on the roads.
The report found that 27 per cent of fatalities occurred between 12pm and 4pm.
In comparison, 26 per cent occurred between 8pm and 4am when traffic volumes tend to be lower.
Friday to Monday saw the highest level, so it's important to be careful during this weekend - especially as the roads are set to be busier.
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The fatalities recorded so far this year saw a record number of those aged between 46 and 65 killed - the highest number in six years.
There has been a year-on-year reduction in the number of young people aged 25 years old or younger being fatally injured in collisions, with a quarter of the 95 people in this age range.
This shows a reduction of 14 compared to last year.
The figure is comprised of 35 drivers, 22 pedestrians, 17 motorcyclists, eight cyclists, eight passengers and one e-scooter rider.
These numbers show an increase among vulnerable road users including cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.
And over half of all fatalities occurred on 80km/h and 100kmh roads.
Gardai have vowed to be "out in force" with extra checkpoints and speed checks across the bank holiday weekend.
'ONE OF THE BUSIEST WEEKENDS'
Speaking at this morning's road safety briefing on the N17 in Co
He said: "Simple measures like putting your phone away, slowing down, and paying attention to the road, could make the difference that prevents a tragedy.'
Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon said: "This is one of the busiest weekends on the roads.
"Not just for motorists, but at this time of year, it's one of the busiest weekends for cyclists and pedestrians.
"We ask everybody to be very conscious of our vulnerable road users, our cyclists and our pedestrians.
"We're asking people to slow down, we're asking people to just plan their journey ahead.
"Some will have long journeys this weekend, so take your time and take your breaks.|
He urged people not to use mobile phones or anything that can prove a distraction while driving.
The road cop added: "We really do not want to be visiting another family with terrible news this weekend."
FESTIVAL PLEA
The Road Safety Authority will be on hand at Curraghmore Estate as the All Together Now Festival takes place in
The appearance is part of their
The
The team will be reinforcing two major messages at the
Never drive under the influence of
Always wear your seatbelt
RSA's Director of Partnerships and External Affairs, Sarah O'Connor, explained: "Through engaging and interactive activations, we're reminding
"We want everyone to enjoy the music and the atmosphere, but support and help people make smart choices about how they
During RSA's appearance at the festival, they will have the FlineBox.
This self-service breathalyser is powered by Dräger sensor technology – the same used by
1
The roads are set to be even busier this bank holiday weekend
Credit: Alamy
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