'Operation Iompar' involves Gardaí using a lorry tractor unit fitted with blue lights to spot motorists using their phones or not wearing seatbelts
' Operation Iompar' involves Gardaí using a tractor unit fitted with blue lights to spot motorists and HGV drivers using their phones or not wearing seatbelts.Advertisement The new lorry will be used by Roads Policing Units nationwide and will provide for"targeted enforcement on dual carriageway and motorway network throughout the country.
" It will see two Gardaí in the lorry - a driver and an observer - with the observer spotting any offending drivers. Gardaí say 'Operation Iompar' is already having yielding results - with over 100 drivers detected during three periods of action using the lorry - the majority of which were found to be using their phone while driving."Due to the height of some vehicles, it can be difficult at times for Gardaí to detect motorists committing offences such as travelling without a seatbelt, using a phone or electronic device while driving holding a mobile phone or engaging in other poor driving behaviour that can distract and therefore potentially lead to a fatal or serious injury road traffic collision," the force says. "When in use on a targeted operation, the HGV will allow Gardaí to observe drivers in any make, model or size vehicle from a more elevated position and therefore help them to enforce the key lifesaver offences."Superintendent Stephen McCauley said the new approach will help detect unsafe driving. "It’s not always easy to clearly observe the irresponsible drivers of some vehicles on a dual carriageway or motorway so introducing an unmarked HGV will hugely support our work," he said. "Operations like this are important because they mean that those that are detected for a road traffic offence must consider their unsafe driving. "Drivers need to know that there is a real risk of them causing a fatal or serious injury collision if distracted and not keeping their full attention on the road."while driving. That's almost 2,000 more than during the same period in 2023. Last month 421 drivers received a fine and penalty points on their licence having been found using their phone behind the wheel.Main image: The unmarked Garda lorry being used as part of Operation Iompar. Image: Newstalk/Alex Rowley
Please follow us on Google to support usDual Carriageway HGV Motorway Operation Iompar Patrol Car Roads Policing Units Superintendent Stephen Mccauley Tractor Unit Unmarked Garda Lorry Unsafe Driving
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