Garda Christmas Road Traffic Enforcement Campaign 2014

Nearly 700 Drivers Arrested for Driving While Intoxicated During Garda Christmas Enforcement Campaign 2014

Key Points-

During the Garda Christmas Enforcement Campaign: 

- 17 people lost their lives, including 7 pedestrians 

- 20 people arrested on average each day on suspicion of driving whilst intoxicated 

- 13 people arrested on Christmas Day and 44 people arrested on New Year’s Day on suspicion of driving whilst intoxicated 

- 36,000 people breath tested at over 7,500 MAT Checkpoints 

 
Provisional figures released today show that during the 35 day Christmas Enforcement campaign, which ran from the 1st December 2014 to the 4th January 2015, there was considerable Garda enforcement activity. In particular, over 36,000 drivers were breath tested at more than 7,500 MAT checkpoints, which resulted in 696 drivers arrested on suspicion of driving whilst intoxicated. 13 people were arrested on Christmas Day alone on suspicion of driving whilst intoxicated. 

 
Additional figures* also reveal: 

 
- 17 fatal collisions, resulting in 17 fatalities 

- 4 drivers, 2 passengers, 7 pedestrians, 1 pedal cyclist and 3 motorcyclists lost their lives 

- 32 people were seriously injured 

- 7,631 MAT (Mandatory Alcohol Testing) checkpoints performed 

- 36,421 drivers breath tested 

- 16,435 Speeding offences detected 

- 371 Seatbelt Offences detected 

- 1,741 Mobile Phone Offences detected 

- 236 Dangerous Driving Incidents 
 

Assistant Commissioner John Twomey said on the 14th January 2015: 
 

"As we announced in advance of this targeted Christmas campaign, there was considerable Garda enforcement activity, as evidenced by over 36,000 drivers being breath tested, and nearly 700 drivers arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. It is totally unacceptable that some people continue to drink or take drugs and drive.” 
 

Assistant Commissioner Twomey continued: "Even on Christmas Day, when families should be enjoying time with their loved ones, 13 people were arrested on suspicion of intoxicated driving, which is two more than Christmas Day 2013. These people put themselves and others at significant risk. They may now face considerable penalties including being banned from driving. Had they heeded the many safety messages that have gone out as part of this campaign this could have easily have been avoided.” 
 

Assistant Commissioner Twomey stressed: "It is very disappointing that there was another increase in road deaths in 2014. In particular, there has been a significant rise in the number of pedestrians who lost their lives in 2014 compared to 2013 (42 v 31). 7 fatal collisions involving pedestrians occurred during this campaign alone. An Garda Síochána, along with all partner stakeholders, is committed to making our roads as safe as possible and we will continue to use all available resources, both enforcement and educational, to make this happen.” 
 

Assistant Commissioner Twomey concluded: "2015 has already started off with a very stark reminder of the danger that is present every minute on the roads, with a tragic fatal collision that took 4 lives and injured 3 others. In total, 10 people have lost their lives on our roads so far this year". 
 

"Our appeal for 2015 is for every road user to make it their absolute priority to be as safe as possible on the roads, and to take responsibility for their every action. Road safety begins with each and every one of us. Let’s all do more to stay safe in 2015.” 

* These figures are provisional, operational and subject to change.  

Monthly totals for 2008-2014 are available on the Garda website. www.garda.ie/traffic.   

Notes to Editor