As the bank holiday approaches, Irish drivers have been warned about the dangers of drink driving. According to gardaí, high numbers of intoxicated drivers are being caught ‘the morning after,’ putting themselves and others at risk. With the festive season just around the corner, it’s vital to drive responsibly and avoid making dangerous decisions. In this article, we’ll explore the latest figures on drink driving and provide tips on how to stay safe on the roads.
Gardaí have issued a warning to drivers that many of those testing positive for driving under the influence during the Easter weekend are caught over the legal limit at checkpoints the morning after socialising. According to Garda figures, most drink- or drug-drivers are caught on the Sunday of the Easter bank holiday weekend, accounting for a quarter of arrests.
Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries from the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau has called on drivers to exercise caution, saying that fatalities on Irish roads have increased this year. She confirmed that a higher number of drivers are being caught drug driving, which has recently become a cause of concern for the Garda force.
Gardaí have cautioned drivers particularly for driving the morning after a night spent socialising, urging motorists to “err on the side of caution.” Those in doubt should not drive, she said, emphasizing that it is “simply not worth taking that chance.” She cited the risk of serious consequences that could result from drinking and driving, including losing one’s driver’s license, livelihood and, tragically, life.
Chief Supt Humphries encouraged drivers to make a plan in advance of their night out, including arranging for a designated driver or alternative transport means. She also urged drivers to be mindful of the risks of driving the morning after, pointing out that for every 25 people arrested for drink or drug driving, four are caught during the morning after.
During the Easter holiday period, the Gardaí will continue carrying out high visibility checkpoints and patrols, with the aim of minimising the number of drink and drug-driving cases. In addition, they will be focusing on peak traffic periods in an effort to reduce the number road traffic accidents.
The figures show that drink and drug-driving are most prevalent between 9 pm and 3 am, with the highest arrest rates for intoxicated driving taking place during this period. Meanwhile, peak traffic periods coincide with the highest volume of traffic on the road, and most accidents are preventable. Chief Supt Humphries urged drivers to be careful during the Easter weekend, reiterating that any death on the road is unacceptable.
This year, there has been an increase of two fatalities compared to the same period last year, taking the total to 45 to date. Last year’s Easter bank holiday weekend saw a total of 111 arrests for drink-driving and 73 for drug-driving. Therefore, drivers must take adequate precautions, including staying within the legal alcohol limit, avoiding drug use when operating a vehicle, and careful planning to avoid the risk of driving under the influence.
