Keep safe on roads over st patricks day holiday

As we head into the St Patrick's Day bank holiday period, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) wish to appeal to all road users, but in particular drivers and pedestrians, that although it is a day of national celebration, responsibility and restraint are key to keeping safe on the roads.

 

With many schools closed, many families will take the opportunity to travel to different parts of the country over the next few days. It is every road users responsility to ensure that the roads are safe for all. To date, 29 people have tragically lost their lives on Irish roads, 5  road deaths less than this date last year. 196 people lost their lives on Irish roads in 2014.

 

New figures just released show that over the past five years, on average, twice as many drivers have been arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving on both St Patricks Day and the day after, compared to any other day in the month of March. In addition, 15 people lost their lives and a further 30 people were seriously injured in road collisions between March 16th to 18th, 2010-2014.

 

Chief Superintendent Mark Curran, Garda National traffic Bureau said: 'Obviously we want everyone to enjoy the festivities that will take place around the country, but please remember that if you are celebrating and consuming alcohol, leave the car behind. This not only applies to the day itself, but also the morning after. Alcohol takes time to be removed completely from your system, so if you do it right on your night out, you must ensure you are alcohol free the morning after too. It is simply unacceptable to see that the number of drivers arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving doubles over what should be a joyous couple of days. It also serves as  a reminder that members of An Garda Síochána are and will be out to specifically target such dangerous driving offences.@