Gardai are appealing to drivers to slow down this bank holiday weekend as excessive speed continues to be a major factor in road traffic collisions.

According to Garda figures, one driver was found to be travelling at 100km/h over the speed limit earlier this year, while another was found to be travelling 95km/h over the limit.

Research indicates that every 1% reduction in average speed brings about a 4% reduction in fatal collisions.

According to Chief Superintendent Michael O'Sullivan, of the Garda National Traffic Bureau, many people may be travelling to different parts of the country over the coming days, especially with the school holidays.

"It is now getting colder, wetter, and darker for longer. We wish to remind drivers to take their time on the roads, adjust their speed to all the prevailing conditions, and ensure they do everything they can to increase their, and others' safety, no matter how long or short the journey is," he said.

Gardai have also launched a ‘Slow Down' safety initiative, which is asking drivers to reduce their speed from 7am on Friday (October 24) to 7am on Saturday (October 25).

"We appeal to all drivers to support the national ‘Slow Down' day by slowing down, but also by driving with dipped headlights on, which will increase your visibility. Together, we can reduce the number and severity of road traffic collisions and make this October bank holiday period as safe as it can be," Chief Superintendent O'Sullivan said.

Over the last five October bank holiday weekends, 15 people have died on Irish roads and 38 people have been seriously injured.

During this period last year, almost 2,800 speeding detections were made by Gardai, while 144 people were found to be drink driving.

Meanwhile figures for the highest speeding detections so far this year include:
-A driver in Roscrea, Tipperary, travelling at 220km/h in a 120km/h zone
-A driver on the M9 at Danesfort (Kilkenny/Carlow) travelling at 145km/h in a 50km/h zone
-A driver in Dunleer, Louth, travelling at 144km/h in a 50km/h zone
-A driver on the M7 at Cherryville (Kildare) travelling at 141km/h in a 50km/h zone
-A driver on the R390 at Loughnavalley (Westmeath) driving at 141km/h in a 50km/h zone

"I would like to thank the majority of those who travel within the speed limits. It is however, unbelievable and unacceptable to find some drivers are being detected at speeds in excess of 200 km/h. We all must take personal responsibility for how we act on the roads. We appeal to all drivers to slow down and save lives," Chief Superintendent O'Sullivan added.