Roads Policing - Christmas Enforcement Campaign

During November’s programme Sergeant Gavin Coleman was in studio to highlight the Christmas and New Year Enforcement Campaign 2023 which commences on December 1st and will continue through to January 5th 2024.

The operation will focus on driving while intoxicated - drink driving and drug driving. It will see increased enforcement in terms of mandatory intoxicant testing checkpoints, where Gardaí have the power to test drivers for the presence of alcohol and drugs.

The number of people arrested for drug driving so far this year is 2,304. The number of people arrested for drink driving so far this year is 4,093. That’s a combined total of 6,397 people arrested for driving while intoxicated this year so far.

There have been 39 Fatal/Serious Injury Collisions where at least one driver tested positive for drugs/alcohol at the scene of a collision so far this year.

Since April 2017, Gardaí have the power to carry out roadside drug testing. This is done by analysing a saliva sample at the roadside and if it shows the presence of drugs the person will then be arrested and taken to a Garda station where they will be required to provide a blood sample. This is then sent to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety where it is analysed and it is the result of this examination that is used by Gardaí as evidence in court.

Since December 1st 2022, Gardaí have begun using an updated drug testing kit, the Drugwipe 6S, a portable device, much like an antigen test, which Gardaí use at the roadside to test for five different types of illegal and prescription drugs that affect a person’s ability to drive.

People convicted of driving under the influence of drugs will receive a disqualification from driving for one year. This can have serious consequences for people often resulting in loss of employment. All Roads Policing members can now check the status of a person’s driving licence through their mobility device at the roadside meaning that if a driver is driving while disqualified they will be detected and will face a court appearance as a result.

Our figures show that over 4,093 people have been arrested on suspicion of drink driving since January 1st this year. Penalties for drink driving range from 3 months to 6 years disqualification, a fine of up to €5000 or 6 months imprisonment. Alcohol is a factor in 38% of all fatal crashes.

I would ask people going out socialising this Christmas to plan ahead. Leave the car at home. Over the years I’ve seen where people drive to their destination, with the intention of leaving the car behind and getting a taxi or public transport home. They come out and it’s raining, there are no taxis and suddenly they are behind the wheel driving home. Leave the car at home - it removes the temptation to drive home.

A lot of people will visit relatives over the Christmas period and may have a drink. I would like to remind people that house measures can often be larger than pub or restaurant measures and it’s something that often catches people out.

People should also be mindful of driving the next morning after a night out. Make sure enough time has elapsed to allow the alcohol to pass through your system.

Appeal:

Never, ever Drink/Drug drive
Book a taxi or use public transport
Nominate a Designated Driver
Make sure you are Alcohol free the next morning

We will be on the roads on a 24/7 basis over the Christmas period, focusing on all lifesaver offences, but particularly driving while intoxicated. We will intercept drink and drug drivers, please don’t be one of them.

Sergeant Gavin Coleman, Roads Policing Bureau