The Road Safety Authority has called on drivers to prioritize safety and make responsible choices regarding alcohol during the Christmas season, according to RTE.
Last December, there were 14 fatalities on Irish roads, and 124 individuals were seriously injured.
This year, there have been 165 fatalities resulting from road traffic incidents, reports RTE.
During the launch of the RSA’s Christmas Road Safety Campaign, Chief Executive Sam Waide noted that most road fatalities involve drivers.
He pointed out that 84% of these deaths occurred on rural roads.
“During a time when many want to visit friends and family for the Christmas and New Year festivities, it is vital to exercise caution on rural roads, especially when traveling outside of towns and cities to see loved ones – please take extra precautions, reports RTE.
“The driving conditions may be difficult because of storms and rain, making it crucial to consider both environmental factors and your behavior while driving. We are encouraging everyone to be mindful of this so that you can enjoy the Christmas and New Year celebrations and return safely for 2025,” Mr. Waide stated, reports RTE.
More than half of the 7,000 individuals caught driving under the influence this year were arrested for drink-driving.
Breath tests conducted by An Garda SÃochána rose by 26% last year, while drug tests surged by 57% over the same timeframe.
They have conducted over 100,000 checkpoints, averaging 300 checkpoints daily in the last 11 months, reports RTE.
Approximately 56% of arrests were related to alcohol, while 44% pertained to drugs, with drug-driving detections increasing by 11% compared to 2023.
The Medical Bureau for Road Safety (MBRS) has provided gardaà with 32,000 drug testing wipes, over 1,000 roadside breathalysers, and 87 breathalysers for use at stations.
Professor Denis Cusack, Director of MBRS, stated that driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs remains a significant risk factor for crashes and an ongoing issue on Irish roads, reports RTE.
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