Donegal Gardaí are to clampdown on intoxicated driving as part of an extensive road safety campaign over the St Patrick’s Day bank holiday weekend.
The operation, which has been in effect since 7am, is particularly targeting motorists who get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
The road safety initiative will remain in place until 7am on Tuesday, with Gardaí warning they will be out in force over the coming days, with checkpoints being set up.
Over the St Patrick’s bank holiday period in 2023, they arrested 196 drivers on suspicion of drink or drug driving across the country.
A total of 175 motorists were arrested on suspicion of similar offences during the same time last year.
The latest figures show there has been a 21% reduction in the number of people killed on Irish roads so far this year, compared to the same period last year.
As of this morning, 33 people have lost their lives in incidents, down from 42 at the same time in 2024.
However, last year was a particularly bad year on Donegal roads. The county recorded one of the highest number of road deaths in Ireland, according to statistics published by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Seventeen people lost their lives on roads here in 2024, up from ten in 2023.
That number of fatalities was the highest in Co Donegal since 2010 when 19 people perished on the county’s roads. So far this year, four people have lost their lives on Donegal roads.
Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries, of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, said there will be increased garda activity on the roads nationwide.
She said it is expected that large numbers of people will be out drinking and socialising as part of the St Patrick’s celebrations.
She said on average gardaí make one arrest an hour of people driving under the influence and “we are expecting that to increase over the weekend”.
“We are appealing to people not to drink and not to take drugs when they’re driving,” Chief Supt Humphries added.
She is advising people to plan ahead and to organise a safe way home if out socialising.
“We’re asking that when you do go out and socialise, do make alternative arrangements to get home,” she said.
“Don’t get into your car if you’ve taken drugs or drink, and especially as a passenger, do not get in as a passenger with somebody who has taken substances as a driver.
“People are of the belief that they’re not going to get caught. Don’t take that chance.”
She also advised motorists to be cautious about driving the morning after a night out drinking.
“We do see a large number of arrests the morning after, right up to 2pm in the afternoon,” Chief Supt Humphries added.
Gardaí will also be targeting other offences including speeding, mobile phone use and not wearing a seatbelt.
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