Gardai Catch Driver Using Phone, Worst Excuse Sparks Outrage

URGENT UPDATE: Gardai in Freshford have just stopped a motorist caught using a mobile phone while driving, leading to what they describe as “probably the worst excuse we’ve heard.” This incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and the dangers of distracted driving.

On Thursday, members of the Kilkenny Road Policing Unit were patrolling the area when they observed a driver “holding their phone and clearly looking at the screen.” When officers pulled the motorist over, he immediately offered an excuse, stating: “I wasn’t texting, I was watching a video.” This justification did not impress the officers, who shared the encounter on their official Facebook page for the An Garda Siochana Kilkenny.

The post read: “Probably the worst excuse we’ve heard. Our chap intercepted a driver who had an excuse ready. ‘I wasn’t texting, I was watching a video.’ No comment.” The driver is now facing a fixed penalty charge notice (FCPN) of €120 and will incur three penalty points on his license.

As part of stricter enforcement, those who fail to pay the fine within 28 days will see the penalty increase to €180, with a potential for five penalty points if the case goes to court.

Authorities reveal that the average number of drivers detected using their phones while driving has surged to 60 daily incidents in 2024. Last year alone, over 21,500 drivers received FCPNs for this dangerous behavior. A Garda spokesperson emphasized the risks, stating: “Driving while on your phone distracts you and takes both your eyes and your full attention away from the road. This is highly dangerous and potentially life-threatening for you and other road users.”

The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Motorists are reminded that the simplest solution to avoid penalties and ensure safety is to refrain from using their phones while driving.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.