An Garda Síochána and The Road Safety Authority (RSA) have today launched a special Road Safety Appeal for the St Patrick’s Bank Holiday weekend. Their appeal comes against the backdrop of high numbers of road deaths so far in 2024.
Provisional figures show that 42 lives have been lost on Irish roads to date (14th March) this year, that’s three more than on this date last year.
An Garda Síochána and the RSA are reminding all road users to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Ahead of the national holiday, motorists and pedestrians are reminded to plan ahead and organise a safe way home ahead of celebrating over the coming days.
This means leaving the car keys at home and agreeing on a designated driver, booking a taxi, or taking public transport. Pedestrians are being cautioned not to walk home after a night out, especially in areas where there is low visibility.
The appeal comes as the Driver Attitude & Behaviour Survey 2023 shows nearly a quarter of drivers have admitted there were times when they may have been over the limit when driving the morning after a night out.
The survey, commissioned by the RSA, also found that one in four motorists believe that driving short distances after having a drink is acceptable.
To coincide with its Bank Holiday appeal, the RSA is encouraging people to speak up and express their concerns about their loved ones’ behaviour on the road.
The RSA’s ‘SAY IT’ campaign urges people to ‘SAY IT’ when they see any worrying behaviour. The campaign targets girlfriends, boyfriends, partners, sisters, teammates, classmates, sons, daughters to speak up, and will run over the Bank Holiday weekend.
An Garda Síochána Assistant Commissioner Roads Policing and Community Engagement, Paula Hilman said: “Enforcing road traffic laws is a core element of road safety, and Gardaí work all year round to detect road traffic offences which are known to increase the risk of death or serious injury on our roads.
The reality is that this risk further increases during bank holiday weekends. We all have a personal responsibility to prevent road fatalities and serious injury road traffic collisions, and we must work together.
“An Garda Síochána are urging people to never, ever get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of an intoxicant be that alcohol or drugs. Please slow down and drive at an appropriate speed, always wear your seatbelt and do not allow yourself to be distracted by a phone while driving.
“There are consequences to these actions and poor driver behaviour – some more lasting than others. You could lose your licence and face significant financial penalty, but far worse is the possibility of seriously injuring or killing someone else on the road. We appeal to everyone to look out for one another on the roads this St. Patrick’s weekend.”
