As part of our ongoing commitment to the reduction of road casualties in the South Eastern Region, Operation Surround was conducted at two centres in the Region. The two centres on this occasion are Waterford and Thurles.
On Sunday, 23rd February 2014 a series of simultaneous checkpoints were conducted at the above centres in a targeted fashion to concentrate on offences which contribute to Fatal and Serious Injury collisions. Specifically, Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) of drivers took place.
Five locations were selected at the two urban centres for intense enforcement. Enforcement continued as scheduled at all other centres in the Region. Awareness of the risks associated with drink driving offences was highlighted through the use of social media. Maximum number of drivers were breath tested at the checkpoints.
Assistant Commissioner Jack Nolan, Regional Commissioner for the South Eastern Region added:
"This Operation will be conducted at many centres in this Region in 2014. On this occasion it was conducted in Waterford and Thurles. I want to send a very strong message to all drivers reminding them that An Garda Síochána are out there day and night targeting drink driving. We want to make sure that drivers take personal responsibility for their actions and these checkpoints will ensure that compliant motorists are not put at risk by individuals who refuse to comply with drink driving legislation.”
During the year 2013 a total of 190 persons lost their lives on Ireland’s roads. This is 28 more deaths than in 2012.
To date this year one persons has died in a traffic collision in County Waterford. There was one fatality in the County in the same period in 2013.
In County Tipperary four persons have died in traffic collisions this year in comparison to four deaths in the same period in 2013.
In 2013 there was an increase of six fatalities more than 2012 within the South Eastern Region.
This year 152 persons have been arrested for drink driving in comparison to 148 in the same period in 2013. These figures show that drink driving is still very prevalent.
Waterford Operation: 612 vehicles passed through checkpoint (various locations in the City), 392 drivers were breath tested. One person arrested.
Thurles Operation: 149 vehicles passed through checkpoint, 102 drivers were breath tested. One person arrested.
