Issue Date: 15 December 2022
Launched earlier this month at the Divisional HQ in Cork City, this year’s Christmas and New Year road safety appeal focuses on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and the devastating loss of life and serious injuries it can cause.
To date, 152 people have lost their lives on Ireland’s roads. This is 25 more than on the same date in 2021. Some 1,156 collisions causing serious injury have also occurred.
Data compiled over the past twelve years indicates that the highest risk time for fatal or serious road traffic collisions during the Christmas period is between 12 noon and 9pm - with over half (55%) of incidents occurring within this timeframe. More specifically, 21% occurred during 3pm - 6pm.
The risk of a fatal or serious injury road traffic collision is highest on the Sunday of the Christmas period.
As evidence based enforcement activity, An Garda Síochána is targeting the four Lifesaver offences this Christmas:
(1) Intoxicated driving; (2) Speeding (3) Use of mobile phones (4) Seatbelt offences
There is a particular emphasis on the locations within Garda Divisions where analysis has shown a higher risk of fatal or serious injury road traffic collisions.
In the second week of enforcement activity as part of this campaign (8th December 2022 – 14th December 2022) Gardaí have conducted 1,121 checkpoints nationwide.
- 116 people were arrested for Driving Under the influence, 19 of which were arrested on suspicion of Drug Driving
- 48 seatbelt offences have been identified
- 158 offences for use of a mobile phone while driving
- 1,949 speeding offences
So far this December there have been:
- 260 arrests for Driving Under the influence - 55 of which are on suspicion of Drug Driving
- 126 seatbelt offences have been identified
- 5,873 speeding offences
- 391 offences for use of a mobile phone while driving
An Garda Síochána are also urging all road users to be safe this Christmas and New Year, particularly as an Orange Weather Warning has been put in place by Met Éireann from today onwards.
Speaking today, Inspector Ross O’Doherty of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said, "There has very sadly been a further rise in road fatalities over the past seven days. Motorists and all road users can help Gardaí reduce the risk of serious or fatal road traffic collisions, but we need everyone to be more aware of just how easily collisions can happen.
"All it can take is a split second of distraction. One poor decision or error when driving so we ask that people take extra caution, particularly as the weather conditions will make driving more difficult.
"As people gather to celebrate Christmas and the New Year it is essential that if you intende on consuming alcohol, to make alternative arrangements to get home and to avoid driving the following morning also. For instance, between Thursday, 1st of December and today, 37 people have been arrested on suspicion of intoxicated driving between the hours of 6am and 2pm in the afternoon. Think of the morning after!
"This Christmas period is one of the busiest on Ireland’s roads and Gardaí are out nationwide conducting checkpoints and other operational activity so we remind drivers to never take a risk. It is never worth it. "
An Garda Síochána is advising the public to heed the weather warnings issued by Met Éireann and to follow news bulletins for regular updates on conditions into this weekend.
