Road deaths are up by over 13% year-on-year, with 157 innocent victims being killed in collisions this year.
Gardai yesterday said that this grim 157 death toll is 19 more fatalities compared to the 138 last year, an increase of 13.7%.
There were 146 road deaths in 2020, and 140 in 2019, according to Garda statistics.
The ongoing Christmas and New Year road safety campaign has in the seven days from December 22 to 28 arrested 173 drivers for suspicion of drinking or taking drugs, while 29 seatbelt offences were suspected, as well as 3,060 speeding offences.
Garda National Roads Policing Bureau Inspector Ross O’Doherty said: “Behind these stats are real lives, real people and real threat to their lives and the lives of other road users.”
The Garda figures show that the riskiest time for a road traffic collision during the Christmas and New Year period is between 12 noon and 9pm.
A spokesperson said: “Data compiled over the past 12 years indicates that [this is] the highest risk time for fatal or serious road traffic collisions.
“Over half (55%) of incidents occur within this timeframe. More specifically, 21% occurred during 3pm to 6pm.
Gardai have carried out over 5,500 checkpoints in December, making 600 arrests for driving under the influence; 186 seatbelt offences were identified; 11,647 speeding offences were detected; there were 724 alleged uses of a mobile phone while driving; and 4,124 collisions recorded.
Garda Inspector O’Doherty said: "It is stark to see these statistics, knowing the potential that each of these offences had to cause accident or injury.
“This is the reality of the behaviour of some drivers.
"As plenty of families and friends get set to celebrate the New Year, we are reminding those that may be intending to have a drink to make alternative arrangements to get home and to avoid driving the following morning also.
“The importance of this is shown in the fact that between December 1 and December 30, some 76 people were arrested on suspicion of intoxicated driving between the hours of 6am and 2pm.
"Not everyone might realise the real dangers of driving the morning after, but intoxicated driving at any hour of the day or night carries a high risk.
“It is a risk to the health and safety of you and other road users - but also of losing your licence and being put off the road which carries a penalty.
"Gardaí are out conducting checkpoints and other operational activity nationwide to ensure that everyone gets to their destination safely this New Year’s weekend.
"We are urging motorists to help us reduce the number of serious and fatal road traffic collisions by never taking a risk.
“It is never, ever worth it and hindsight often comes far too late.”
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