This coming weekend is a long weekend with St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Tuesday. Therefore many people will set out on long journeys. All road users are asked to be vigilant and to take all necessary steps to ensure their safety and the safety of other road users.
This coming weekend is a long weekend with St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Tuesday. Therefore many people will set out on long journeys. All road users are asked to be vigilant and to take all necessary steps to ensure their safety and the safety of other road users.
Over the bank holiday weekend An Garda Síochána will continue to focus enforcement on the main causes of deaths and serious injury on the roads, drink driving, speeding and the non-wearing of safety belts. Over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period in 2008 there were 2,656 speeding detections, 530 driving while intoxicated incidents, and 378 non-wearing of safety belt incidents recorded.
As of the 31st December 2008 there were 1,200 Gardaí assigned to the Traffic Corps, which provides a significant policing capability.
The aim of Garda enforcement is to enhance compliance with road traffic legislation by increasing the likelihood of detection. This is being achieved through
- Targeted operations and increased visibility
- Prioritisation of enforcement activities
- Enhanced deployment of resources
- Effective use of breath testing legislation
Extra Garda resources will be deployed over this bank holiday period aimed at increasing compliance amongst drivers, with the objective of improving road safety.
In respect of this St Patrick’s holiday weekend Mr. Noel Brett CEO of the Road Safety Agency (RSA) is quoted as follows “If you are thinking of getting into the car after a few drinks, stop and think”.
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
Those going on long journeys should also remember that tiredness contributes to road fatalities and injuries. Long journeys should be planned and drivers should stop in a safe place if they feel tired and take a short nap or break away from the road.
A Garda spokesman will be available for interview between 2 and 3 pm tomorrow 12 March 2009. Members of the media are requested to e-mail their request for interview into pressoffice@garda.ie providing contact details telephone number etc.
Garda Press Office
11 March 2009
