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Gardaí have detected a motorist travelling 79kmh over the speed limit in Co Wicklow during the first few hours of National Slow Down Day.
The force alongside the Road Safety Authority (RSA) today launched the initiative which will run until midnight.
It aims to promote safer driving and reduce speed-related collisions nationwide, coinciding with increased road use over the Christmas holidays.
So far today, gardaí, along with GoSafe mobile and static safety cameras, have detected nearly 392 vehicles travelling in excess of the applicable speed limit.
A motorist was detected travelling at 139kmh in a 60kmh zone on the Dublin Road in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow.
Other speeds detected today include motorists travelling 119kmh in a 50kmh zone on the Drummartin Link Road in Dublin 14, 163kmh in a 120kmh zone on the M6 road in Killavally, Tyrrellspass, Co Westmeath and 118 kmh in a 50kmh zone on the North Circular Road in Dublin 7.
Gardaí conduct a number of National Slowdown Days each year, aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of speeding.
The Christmas period is one of the busiest on Irish roads. It is also one of the periods during which road users are at the highest risk of being involved in a fatal or serious road traffic collision.
Gardaí are appealing to all those who will be taking to the roads over the Christmas period to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention.
Road deaths so far this year have reached 186, including the death of three people over the weekend and today – in Cork, Westmeath and Meath.
Ireland has experienced 12pc more road deaths this year than in 2024, with the number expected to rise to 200 by the end of the year by campaigners.