Shocking speeds in icy Laois-Offaly
Some of the speeds recorded by Laois-Offaly gardaí on 10 January
SHOCKING speeds were recorded in the Laois-Offaly garda division, as the area struggled to emerge from a big freeze that left many roads still in treacherous condition.
A driver doing a whopping 137kph in an 80kph zone was among those caught by gardaí on Friday 10 January, while speeds of 114kph and 113kph were also recorded on the same road along the county border.
All three were clocked within 20 minutes on the R420 road between Geashill, Co Offaly and Portarlington, Co Laois, all going well above the 80kph speed limit.
All three culprits were caught on the Offaly side of the division, during a radar speed check operation. They will receive both a fine and penalty points in the post.
Posting photos on the An Garda Síochána Laois-Offaly Facebook page, gardaí said: ‘Starting 2025 strong with pole position on the 'Lose Your Licence Grand Prix' leaderboard – powered by speed and poor decisions! Offaly Roads Policing Unit, happy to get you there and keep the rest of us safe.’
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) advised drivers today to remain vigilant as snow and ice begin to melt.
Met Éireann has forecast a gradual change to milder weather over the weekend, which could lead to some localised flooding as snow and ice thaw, increasing the risk of skidding or aquaplaning.
The RSA advised road users to slow down, because snow and ice may linger in sheltered spots and on bends and corners.
Thawing ice and slush building up on roadsides also cause risks and motorists should allow extra distance when passing pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists who could have to avoid such hazards.
The RSA also advised road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists, to be aware of overhead hazards, such as melting snow and ice falling from buildings and trees. The advice is to stay clear from the edges of buildings.
Melting snow and ice can also reduce visibility, as spray from vehicles is thrown onto windscreens. Motorists are advised to stay well back from vehicles in front and to ensure windscreen washers are full.
