MOTORISTS ARE BEING asked to take extra caution on the roads this bank holiday weekend after a number of crashes in recent days.
Eight people have died on Irish roads in the past week. Last year two people were killed on Irish roads over the August bank holiday weekend, while there were 166 arrests for drink driving.
Dublin Fire Brigade were called to a number of crashes last night.
To date this year, 95 people have been killed in 88 fatal crashes on Irish roads. Gardaí say this is sixteen less when compared to the same period last year.
Drink driving
Research commissioned by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) found one in 10 Irish motorists have driven after consuming alcohol in the past 12 months.
The results of the survey carried out in January and February this year also found that 14% of male motorists and 6% of female motorists have driven after drinking alcohol.
Some 16% of those under 24 admitted to drinking and driving in the past 12 months, up from 7% in 2015 and 4% in 2014.
The research suggests that ‘high risk drivers’ especially those who admit to using a mobile phone while driving are twice as likely to have admitted to drink driving in the past 12 months.
Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid from the Roads Policing Bureau in An Garda Síochána said, “Members of An Garda Síochána will be out in force this bank holiday weekend to keep the roads safe from reckless and dangerous drivers.
We wish to also remind drivers that they can be breath tested not only at mandatory intoxicant checkpoints but also after committing any road traffic offence or after being involved in a fatal or injury collision.
Chief Executive of the RSA Moyagh Murdock said, “We want people to enjoy the August bank holiday weekend, but if you are going out to enjoy a few drinks, please leave your keys at home and arrange alternative transport to ensure you get home safely.”
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