An Garda Síochána today announced an increase in the number of drivers detected for drink driving and speeding over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period
Six people lost their lives over the period an increase of 50% on the same period last year. Serious injury collisions were also up by 20%.
Assistant Commissioner Traffic John Twomey said “An Garda Síochána conducted 1,195 MAT checkpoints and 11,651 drivers were tested at these. (An increase of 32% on same period last year). 37 drivers were arrested at these checkpoints.
In addition 230 drivers were detected by An Garda Síochána during their patrols over the period.
(Total arrested for Drink Driving over the period are 267 drivers an increase of 3% on 2010).
This increase in the number of drivers arrested for drink driving is disappointing, as despite the best efforts of An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority – drivers continue to lose their lives.
Provisional figures indicate that over 5,000 drivers were detected speeding over the back holiday period.
Assistant Commissioner Twomey said “The increase in the number of drivers, speeding and drink/drug driving – despite all the evidence as to the consequences of such behaviour is disappointing. These people are from our communities and it is our communities who are paying the price for their recklessness. An Garda Síochána will continue its effort to stamp out this behaviour.”
Mr. Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority commenting on the enforcement figures said that “While it’s disappointing to see so many people getting caught for road traffic offences it certainly does show that the Gardai are out in force on our roads and people need to wise up this fact. I’m convinced that the problem here is with a minority of people who are becoming complacent on the road and as a result are putting their lives and others at risk. If you are not prepared to buy into the road safety message then unfortunately you are choosing to learn the hard way and risk losing your licence, and just think of the consequences that could have on your job, your family or employment prospects.”
Assistant Commissioner Twomey said “We all have a role in reducing death and injury on our roads. An Garda Síochána will continue with our efforts to catch offenders but I appeal to everyone in the community not to drink and drive and to slow down in an effort to reduce the grief and sense of loss each death on our roads brings to our communities. I would also appeal to people to assist An Garda Siochana in developing positive road safety behaviour”.
Note to editor: 5 day period 16th to 20 March 2011 inclusive.
Garda Press Office.
