Donegal Gardaí have confirmed there were 17 arrests for drink and drug driving here over the past week.
The revelation comes during Road Safety Week which started yesterday and runs until October 13th.
Garda Grainne Doherty said that, across the Donegal Division over the past week, there have been 13 arrests for drink driving and four for drug driving.
“It is obvious that the road safety message is just not being taken seriously by everybody unfortunately,” she said.
“We ask all drivers to please think about road safety this week and to make changes, if necessary, to their driving behavior in order to make our roads safer.”
Gda Doherty also urged all drivers to slow down, wear a seatbelt and ensure that your passengers are also wearing theirs.
“Do not use/hold a mobile phone while driving. Put all electronics out of your reach and keep your full concentration on the road as a driver,” she added.
“Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and do not get into a vehicle as a passenger with someone whom you suspect may be under the influence. Alert Gardaí if you encounter dangerous driving or if you are aware of a driver who is under the influence.”
Tyre Safety Day also took place yesterday as part of Road Safety Week and a number of fines were issued to drivers across Donegal because of defective tyres on their vehicles. A number of vehicles were also seized because of dangerously defective tyres.
“Please check your tyres regularly and even more regularly when the tread depth reaches 3mm. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm. The more worn your tyres become, the less grip they will have on the road surface. This is even more important now as we approach the winter season and the icy roads.”
Gda Doherty also urged motorists to ensure that the lights on their car, motorcycle, tractor, van etc are all in good working order. For those who have trailers, please ensure that the lights and reflectors are all in place and that they are in good working condition.
“We all have a shared responsibility when it comes to road safety whether we are driving, cycling or on foot,” she stressed.
“Please remember when out walking, cycling or running that although you can see the traffic that the drivers may not always see you. The time has come to dig out your hi-vis vests, armbands and jackets and ensure that when you are going out on or near a public road, that you are highly visible at all times! Be safe and be seen!”
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