RSA and An Garda Síochána Renew Drink Driving Message For St Patrick’s Festival
March is the second most dangerous month of the year for alcohol related collisions.
10 March 2017: As the St Patrick’s Festival approaches, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are asking all road users to act responsibly when travelling on the roads this weekend. In particular, drivers are being reminded that any amount of alcohol can impair driving.
The tragic consequences of drink-driving are evident in the RSA’s pre-crash report, published last year, which examined alcohol as a factor in fatal collisions between 2008 and 2012. It found that a worrying 38% of all fatal collisions involved a driver, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian who had consumed alcohol. Of this 38% of fatal collisions:
- 29% involved a driver or motorcyclist who had consumed alcohol
- 9% involved a pedestrian who had consumed alcohol
Ms Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of the RSA said,
“Although, the St Patricks Festival is a period of national celebration, and we want people to have fun, we are reminding road users that March is a real danger zone for alcohol related road deaths. March accounts for 11% of alcohol related collisions, it’s the second most dangerous month of the year for alcohol related incidents.”
“Drink-driving destroys lives – at best, you could lose your licence but far worse, is the possibility of seriously injuring or killing someone on the roads. If you decide to go out, make a plan for getting home in advance; nominate a designated driver, use public transport or arrange a taxi to bring you to and from your destination. Remember, any alcohol impairs driving.”
Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn, Roads Policing, said,
“Over 1300 people have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant since the beginning of the year. We would like to remind road-users that An Garda Síochána will be out in force over the St Patricks Day festival to monitor all high risk behaviour, including drink driving.”
“We want everyone to enjoy the St. Patricks Festival without the fear of meeting a driver that’s impaired. So this weekend, we ask you to also do your bit to support the local community and stop these drivers from putting lives at risk. If they don’t listen, phone the Gardai and report it, you might save a life.” Concluded Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn.
To raise awareness of the dangers of drink driving, the RSA and sporting legend Davy Fitzgerald have produced a social media campaign aimed at preventing young men from drink driving. The video targets young males aged 18 to 34 years and Davy Fitzgerald delivering a ‘half time dressing down’ for daring to drink drive. The video will be promoted online and though social media.
For further information please contact:
RSA Communications Office: 096 25008 or email mediadept@rsa.ie
Or
Brian Farrell, Communications Manager: 0863881009
Or
Garda Press Office: 01 6662030 or email pressoffice@garda.ie
