Between 7 a.m. yesterday and 7 a.m. this morning, the Gardaí observed a 24-hour national day of action. During that time, 266 drivers were caught using their phones while operating a motor vehicle.

762 drivers have already received fixed penalty notices this year for using cell phones while driving, which carries a fine of €120 and three license penalty points.

Compared to the daily average of 60 drivers caught using their phones while driving in 2024, this is a four-fold increase.

Last year, more than 21,500 drivers were given fixed penalty letters for the infraction.

Traffic officers advised motorists: "Driving while on your phone distracts you and takes both your eyes and your full attention away from the road." "You and other road users could be killed by this extremely unsafe situation.

However, there is a very basic and straightforward solution: simply don't do it," they continued.