RSA issues warning to drivers ahead of bank holiday weekend
The appeal comes as RSA analysis has found that over one third of driver fatalities with a toxicology result available during the years 2016–2020 tested positive for alcohol.
The analysis shows a stark contrast between off-peak and peak hours. During off-peak hours (10:00p.m–5:59a.m), 70% of driver fatalities with a toxicology result available had a positive toxicology for alcohol, compared to 21% during peak times.
Minister Canney said: 'These figures are deeply concerning. They show a consistent pattern of people taking deadly risks by driving under the influence, especially at night.
'My message this weekend is simple – never, ever drink and drive. It's not worth the risk to your life or anyone else's. I urge everyone to act responsibly and make safe choices on our roads.'
Director of partnerships and external affairs at the RSA, Sarah O'Connor echoed the call: 'These statistics highlight the importance of targeted enforcement during off-peak hours to detect and remove intoxicated drivers from our roads.
'Combining this with education and awareness initiatives that focus on the dangers of drink-driving – especially late at night – is critical to saving lives.'
Chief superintendent David Harrington of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said: 'Driving under the influence of an intoxicant, whether alcohol or drugs, is illegal and not only impairs your driving performance but removes your capacity to drive safely.
'Some people may take the risk of driving under influence because they believe they won't encounter gardaí on the road to detect them, but the reality is that we are on the roads conducting checkpoints and are called to the scene of every one of the fatal or serious injury collisions caused by a driver that has been drinking.
'You can avoid putting your life and the lives of others at such high risk if you heed our advice to not consume alcohol or drugs if you know you are getting into a car to drive,' the garda chief added.
RSA appeal
The RSA appeal coincides with the upcoming launch of a new RSA advertising campaign that addresses social acceptability of drink-driving.
The TV-led campaign will go live on June 11, and calls on the public to protect their friends, and other road users, by ensuring their friends don't get behind the wheel after drinking.
The RSA is also reminding the public that the summertime period typically sees an increase in cyclist and motorcyclist casualties.
Road users are encouraged to slow down, expect the unexpected, and be especially mindful of vulnerable road users.
With large crowds expected to travel to events like Bloom in Phoenix Park, Dublin, and BikeFest in Killarney over the Bank Holiday Weekend, drivers are reminded to stay alert, avoid distractions, and share the road responsibly.
To help fight driver fatigue, the RSA, in partnership with Applegreen, will also be offering free coffee to drivers at participating service stations from 2:00p.m to 8:00p.m on Friday, May 30 and Monday, June 2.
Motorists simply need to mention 'RSA' at the till to avail of the offer.
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