Other motoring offences were also detected on these dates
Stock image of cars driving along a rural road(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)
Police said they detected hundreds of speeding drivers throughout Northern Ireland during weather warnings. New PSNI figures show that hundreds of drivers were clocked speeding on two days this year, despite weather warnings on those dates for heavy rain.
On January 30 and February 6, 779 speeding detections were recorded, spanning across all eleven police districts despite difficult driving conditions. The excess speed detections were made by officers and camera vans.
Other motoring offences were also detected on these dates, including driving under the influence of drink/drugs, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving without insurance.
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Superintendent Jonathan Wilson said: “Despite weather warnings, drivers put their lives and other road users’ lives at risk by speeding in what were difficult driving conditions. We detected some really high speeds, including 97mph on 30 January. Speeds like this on any day are shocking, let alone on a day when there’s a weather warning in place.
“In addition to the excess speed detections, which were made by officers and Road Safety Camera Vans deployed as part of our Operation Lifesaver road safety patrols, we also detected a range of other motoring offences. These included driving while under the under the influence of drink/drugs, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt and driving without insurance.
“It’s frightening to know there are drivers in our communities who continue to be so reckless on our roads. Driving requires 100 per cent of our attention and focus at all times – anything less has the potential to be fatal.
“We are appealing to all drivers, especially as we continue to experience poor weather conditions, to remember the fatal five so you can keep yourself, your passengers and all other roads users safe – never ever drink/drug drive, slow down, don’t get careless, always wear your seatbelt and stay off your mobile phone, or any device or anything that can distract you.
“Making sure you do all you can as a driver and road user to ensure your journey is safe should be a priority at all times. Do not think the worst will not happen to you, because it can.”
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