1 in 10 drive after boozing
Road safety appeal launched after damning figures revealed
ONE in 10 motorists have admitted getting behind the wheel after boozing, sobering data reveals.
Damning research from the Road Safety Authority from their Driver Attitudes & Behaviour Survey 2023 also shows one in four believes it is acceptable to go a short distance after having a drink.
And nearly a quarter admitted they may have been over the limit when driving the next day after a night out.
It comes as the RSA and Gardai are warning the public to never drive under the influence and urged motorists to take caution while on the roads over the St Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday weekend.
So far this year 42 people have lost their lives in crashes – which is three more than during the same period last year.
Data released by the gardai show one driver was arrested every hour on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs last year.
They said over the St Patrick’s Day Weekend last year, 196 were nabbed on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
Cops said drug driving accounted for more than 35% of all driving while intoxicated deductions last year with cannabis and cocaine the top narcotics found.
Gardai have arrested more than 1,300 drivers for driving under the influence between the start of the year and February 29.
Jack Chambers, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, said: “With the Bank Holiday falling on a Sunday, people who are away for the weekend may be travelling back on the Monday.
“We all need to keep our roads safe, and I am also appealing to people not to get behind the wheel if they have been celebrating heavily the night before.” It comes as Paula Hilman, who is the Assistant Commissioner of Roads Policing and Community Engagement, said: “Throughout this St Patrick’s Bank Holiday Weekend, an extensive Garda Roads Policing Operation will be in place nationwide.
“The reality is that this risk further increases during Bank Holiday weekends. We all have a personal responsibility to prevent road fatalities and serious injury road traffic collisions, and we must work together.
“We are urging people to never, ever get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of an intoxicant be that alcohol or drugs.
“Please slow down and drive at an appropriate speed, always wear your seatbelt, and do not allow yourself to be distracted by a phone while driving.
“There are consequences to these actions and poor driver behaviour – some more lasting than others.
“You could lose your licence and face significant financial penalty, but far worse is the possibility of seriously injuring or killing someone else on the road.
“We appeal to everyone to look out for one another on the roads.”