# Road safety and distracted driving in Ireland and UK > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/road-safety-and-distracted-driving-in-ireland-and-uk > Updated: 2026-11-06T08:37:45.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Law enforcement operations in Ireland and the United Kingdom have identified significant numbers of driving offenses. In Ireland, An Garda Síochána reported nearly 150 drivers caught under the influence of alcohol or drugs during a four day Bank Holiday operation, alongside 3,490 speeding offenses and two fatalities. In the United Kingdom, Nottinghamshire Police used an unmarked heavy goods vehicle to detect motorists using mobile phones on the M1, noting that using devices in cradles does not exempt drivers from prosecution if they are distracted. Subsequent research and data indicate rising concerns regarding distracted driving habits in both regions. In Ireland, a survey found that nearly 80% of drivers admit to distracting behaviors, such as using map applications or eating and drinking. The Road Safety Authority reported that road deaths in Ireland have reached their highest level in over a decade, with mobile phone offenses increasing by 11.5% in 2025. In the United Kingdom, studies show that 30% of motorists have experienced near misses due to in-car technology, including touchscreen controls and automated safety features. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-06: Distracted driving habits rise in Ireland and UK Surveys in Ireland and the UK reveal high rates of distracted driving, with motorists citing map apps, touchscreens, and automated safety features as primary causes of near-misses and safety risks. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/distracted-driving-habits-rise-in-ireland-and-uk ### 2026-10-25: Road safety operations in Ireland and UK result in numerous offenses Road safety operations in Ireland and the UK have led to hundreds of offenses, including drink driving, speeding, and illegal mobile phone use, including distractions caused by mounted devices. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/road-safety-operations-in-ireland-and-uk-result-in-numerous-offenses --- Cite as: Road safety and distracted driving in Ireland and UK. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/road-safety-and-distracted-driving-in-ireland-and-uk