A warning has been issued to Irish motorists ahead of the February bank holiday after a 13% increase in road fatalities in 2022.
Figures from the Road Safety Authority of Ireland reveal 155 people died in collisions last year. There was a doubling of pedestrian deaths, while drivers accounted for 39% of fatalities.
Sunday was noted as the most dangerous day on Irish roads, with almost half of all road deaths happening between 12pm and 8pm on Sundays.
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Motorists are being reminded of the consequences of speeding, collisions, drink/drug driving and careless/reckless driving ahead of the first year of the new February bank holiday.
Drinkaware, the national independent charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse, has issued advice and tips to stay safe over the long weekend.
In particular, it’s reminding people of the dangers of driving the morning after drinking.
Research found that 87% of Irish people agree that any amount of alcohol impairs your ability to drive, however 25% of motorists admitted “there were times when they have been over the limit the morning after a night out”.
Drinkaware says that it takes at least one hour to process one standard drink. Examples of a standard drink include half a pint of beer, 100ml glass of wine, or a 35.5ml measure of spirits.
The time starts from when the last drink is finished. For example, if a person finished drinking at midnight, and had three pints, they will have consumed six standard drinks. This means they need to wait at least six hours from midnight, when they stopped drinking, before their body will have processed the alcohol. Therefore they should not get behind the wheel of a car until 6am at the earliest.
It says that the only way to remove alcohol from your system is time, no amount of food or water will speed up the process. Neither will the common myths of showering, eating a large breakfast, coffee, energy drinks or exercise.
Jennifer Flynn, Director of Communications for Drinkaware, said that with the bank holiday approaching it is important to be alert at the wheel.
She commented: “At Drinkaware we want to provide people with practical information, tips and supports to help them stay safe on the roads. We know that people want to do the right thing, the drink driving information on drinkaware.ie is consistently in the top 5 of our most viewed content, but we also know that bank holiday weekends tend to see increased fatalities and accidents.
“With the new bank holiday, it’s crucial people get the facts and are informed, so that we can break this trend and have a safe February bank holiday weekend. Knowledge around the dangers of driving the morning after drinking is essential. It is important that people are aware of how long it takes their body to process alcohol from the night before.
“Understanding what a standard drink is and keeping track of how many drinks you have had the night before means you can make informed decisions before getting behind the wheel of a car. Knowledge is power and we’d encourage the public to make use of the Drinkaware drinks calculator and the information available from the RSA & an Garda Siochana to keep our roads safe. Let’s break the trend and make this New Bank Holiday a positive and enjoyable experience for all.”
Ireland's new permanent bank holiday will be given to celebrate St Brigid's Day, and will be held annually on the first Monday in February.
St Brigid's Day, February 1, falls on a Wednesday this year, meaning the bank holiday will be given on Monday, February 6.
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