Alcohol is the second greatest contributory factor to road deaths and injuries and so Garda enforcement activity will also be prioritised on Drink Driving.
As a general rule a 1km/h decrease in average speed results in a 2% reduction in injury collisions, a 3% reduction in serious injury collisions and a 4% reduction in fatal collisions*.
A small change in driver behaviour can therefore impact significantly in terms of road safety. Alcohol is the second greatest contributory factor to road deaths and injuries and so Garda enforcement activity will also be prioritised on Drink Driving.
There will be additional Garda resources deployed to combat drink driving and extensive use will be made of Mandatory Alcohol Testing checkpoints.
The message to drivers is:-
• Never drink and drive.
• Have a nominated non-drinking driver or use public transport, taxis/hackneys if going out for a drink.
Tiredness contributes to road fatalities and injuries. Those going on long journeys therefore should plan their journeys in advance and drivers should stop in a safe place if they feel tired and take a short nap or break away from the road.
* (Source: Raising Compliance with Road Safety Law - European Transport Safety Council).
Garda Press Office
30th April 2009
Ref: 578/08
