Gardaí say 178 drink or drug drivers were arrested in just a week as their Christmas roads policing operation continues.
There were also over 2,200 drivers caught speeding in that period, and 504 unsafe vehicles were taken off the road.
Meanwhile 329 people were fined for using their phones while behind the wheel.
Gardaí are renewing their calls for drivers to take care on the country’s roads, as in the last week alone a further three lives were lost – and a total of 13 “serious” collisions also recorded by Gardaí.
Some of the highest top speeds recorded in the past week included a number of drivers caught at over 180kph;
• 121kph in a 50kph zone on the N52, Ardcroney, Co. Tipperary
• 124kph in a 60kph zone on the N4, Drishoge, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Roscommon
• 184kph in an 80kph zone on the R731, Monamolin, Rathnure, Co. Wexford
• 165kph in a 100kph zone on the N80, Dysart, Stradbally, Co. Laois
• 186kph in a 120kph zone on the M1, Donabate, Co. Dublin
Gardaí are again appealing to all those taking to the roads over the Christmas period to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention.