Authorities warn of rising pedestrian risks this bank holiday
An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority have issued a stark warning urging vigilance as pedestrian casualties rise during the October bank holiday weekend. With reduced daylight and increased traffic, the call to prioritise safety is especially urgent in urban centres like Dublin and Cork.
Source:
An Garda Síochána
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⏱️ 2 min read
As the October bank holiday weekend approaches, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have issued a grave appeal to all road users to exercise heightened caution, particularly around pedestrians. Recent statistics reveal that between 2021 and 2025, 178 pedestrians lost their lives on Irish roads, with a quarter of these victims aged 75 or older and predominantly male. The period from October to December consistently sees a disturbing rise in pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries.
With clocks set to go back an hour this Sunday, resulting in shorter daylight hours, authorities are emphasising the importance of visibility. Drivers are strongly encouraged to use dipped headlights during daytime where vehicles lack daytime running lights. Pedestrians and cyclists, meanwhile, are urged to wear high-visibility clothing and remain vigilant in darker conditions to reduce the risk of collisions, especially in busy urban areas like Dublin and Cork where most casualties occur.
An Garda Síochána will conduct a dedicated road traffic enforcement operation from 22nd to 27th October 2026, targeting lifesaving offences such as speeding, mobile phone use, drink and drug driving, and seatbelt compliance. Assistant Commissioner Denis Ferry, Minister of State Seán Canney, and RSA Chief Executive Sam Waide all emphasise that as the nights darken and weather conditions worsen, everyone must prioritise safety. They remind motorists to slow down, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence, while pedestrians must remain visible and alert to safeguard lives during this high-risk period.
With clocks set to go back an hour this Sunday, resulting in shorter daylight hours, authorities are emphasising the importance of visibility. Drivers are strongly encouraged to use dipped headlights during daytime where vehicles lack daytime running lights. Pedestrians and cyclists, meanwhile, are urged to wear high-visibility clothing and remain vigilant in darker conditions to reduce the risk of collisions, especially in busy urban areas like Dublin and Cork where most casualties occur.
An Garda Síochána will conduct a dedicated road traffic enforcement operation from 22nd to 27th October 2026, targeting lifesaving offences such as speeding, mobile phone use, drink and drug driving, and seatbelt compliance. Assistant Commissioner Denis Ferry, Minister of State Seán Canney, and RSA Chief Executive Sam Waide all emphasise that as the nights darken and weather conditions worsen, everyone must prioritise safety. They remind motorists to slow down, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence, while pedestrians must remain visible and alert to safeguard lives during this high-risk period.
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