Leitrim roads to see increased checkpoints during Easter road safety campaign

A major road safety operation led by An Garda Síochána will be in place until Tuesday, April 7, with increased checkpoints expected on roads across Leitrim.

The campaign got underway on April 2, as Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority expect there will be more road users on the move over the Easter weekend.

Gardaí will be placing particular emphasis on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs this weekend and are urging that at no point is it safe or acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after taking an intoxicant such as alcohol or drugs.

Motorists are advised to take extra caution around vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians. As the evenings become brighter and the weather improves, the presence of pedestrians and cyclists on the roads is expected to increase.

In 2025, there was a 24 percent increase in pedestrian road deaths in Ireland compared to the previous year, with year-to-date figures currently in line with last year.

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In 2025, the majority of the 41 pedestrian fatalities occurred on lower speed roads of 60km/h or less. Over a third of pedestrians were crossing the road at the time of the fatal collision.

“The Easter Bank Holiday weekend is another very busy period on Irish roads, and a lot of people will be on the move this week with schools off for the Easter break.

“Every Garda who is on duty this weekend will do all that they can to ensure that road users are safe and that those who break road traffic laws are detected,” said Chief Superintendent, David Harrington of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau.

“The issues on our roads at present require the attention of every single person. Every driver is responsible for their own driving behaviour – there is no excuse whatsoever to get behind the wheel of a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Keep your attention on the road – there is no valid reason to drive while distracted by your phone.

“We are seeing an increase in pedestrian deaths on our roads and we want to ensure all road users are kept safe,” said Chief Superintendent Harrington, adding that pedestrians and motorists should be visible and alert to their surroundings.

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“Eliminate distractions and make responsible decisions to ensure everyone gets home safe this weekend,” he concluded.