Motorists are being warned that gardaí are to mount a huge Easter bank holiday road safety campaign with checkpoints in operation throughout the country.
It comes as provisional figures from An Garda Síochána show that 50 people have lost their lives on Irish roads to date this year compared to 27 up to the same date last year.
The increase in deaths has been described as "deeply concerning."
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While the RSA and An Garda Síochána have issued a general appeal for road users to take greater care on the road this Easter bank holiday, there will also be focus on drug-driving.
There were over 3,300 arrests for drug-driving in 2021 and 768 arrests so far for 2022.
Analysis by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) shows that cannabis and cocaine remain the most detected drugs in drivers on Irish roads.
In 2021, 57% of specimens tested for drugs contained cannabis, 31% contained cocaine and 14% were found to have benzodiazepines.
Ms Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State at the Department of Transport described the increase in roads deaths this year as "deeply concerning."
She said: "We must all take action to reverse this trend by taking greater care when using the road – especially over the high-risk Easter bank holiday period. Four people died and eight were seriously injured over the Easter bank holiday last year."
Mr Sam Waide, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority, said: "We have had an appalling start to the year on our roads with 50 lives lost. An average of 15 people have been killed each month on the road to date this year."
Mr. Waide added that this Easter bank holiday there will be a focus on tackling drug driving.
He said: "Driving under the influence of drugs can seriously affect a driver’s motor skills, and ability to control a motor vehicle on the road. If you are detected drug driving you will face a court appearance and if found guilty, a minimum driving disqualification of one year. Ask yourself is it worth the risk? Losing your licence and possibly your job.”
Assistant Commissioner, Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána said that it is expected that large numbers of motorists will take to the roads this weekend.
She said: "This Easter bank holiday weekend, members of An Garda Síochána will focus on the detection of key lifesaver offences which include speeding, drink/drug driving, non-wearing of seat-belts and using a mobile phone while driving.
"Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) checkpoints will be undertaken throughout the country. Don’t ever drive under the influence of an intoxicant. If you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs you risk losing your licence.
"Our priority is to keep people safe, so I would ask you to please make responsible decisions this holiday period and don’t ever drive under the influence of an intoxicant.”
Additional advice for road users to make this a safer bank holiday weekend:
- This Easter bank holiday weekend drivers are being reminded that the RSA and participating Applegreen service stations are providing free cups of coffee to drivers to help combat driver fatigue. The offer is available from 2pm to 8pm on Friday 15 and on Monday 18 April.
- Drivers planning to head out socialising over the Easter bank holiday are urged to plan how they are going to get home safely
- Book a taxi, or hackney, use public transport or designate a driver. The same also applies if we are planning to walk, particularly in rural areas where there may be no footpaths or street lighting.
For more information and advice click here
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