Gardai have been out in force on Irish roads over Christmas as they work to make roads safer for the millions of commuters.
To date, 157 people have lost their lives on Ireland’s roads this year - 25 more than on the same date in 2021.
Statistics also show that 1,185 collisions causing serious injury have also occurred.
Officers have revealed that this year’s Christmas and New Year road safety appeal has primarily focused on the dangers of the four lifesaver offences:
- Intoxicated driving
- Speeding
- Use of a mobile phone while driving
- Non wearing of seat belts
Data compiled over the past twelve years indicates that the highest risk time for fatal or serious road traffic collisions during the Christmas and New Year period is between 12:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
More than over half (55%) of incidents occurred within this timeframe and more specifically, 21% occurred between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
Gardaí have therefore been targeting the four Lifesaver offences with a particular emphasis on the locations within Garda Divisions where analysis has shown a higher risk of fatal or serious injury road traffic collisions.
In the past seven days - from December 22 to December 28 - Gardaí have conducted 1,380 checkpoints nationwide.
- 173 people were arrested for Driving Under the influence, 24 of which were arrested on suspicion of Drug Driving
- 29 seatbelt offences have been identified
- 82 offences for use of a mobile phone while driving
- 3,060 speeding offences
During the month of December there were:
- Over 5,500 checkpoints conducted
- 600 arrests for driving under the influence
- 186 seatbelt offences identified
- 11,647 speeding offences
- 724 offences for use of a mobile phone while driving
- 4,124 collisions reported to An Garda Síochána
Speaking today, Inspector Ross O’Doherty of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said, "It is stark to see these statistics knowing the potential that each of these offences had to cause accident or injury but this is the reality of the behaviour of some drivers. It should go without saying that behind these stats are real lives, real people and real threat to their lives and the lives of other road users.
"As plenty of families and friends get set to celebrate the New Year tonight and over the weekend, 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 Thursday, 1st of December and today, 76 People have been arrested on suspicion of intoxicated driving between the hours of 6:00 am and 2:00 pm in the afternoon.
"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 – 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 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 not asking motorists, we are urging them 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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