The first 10 days of the Garda Christmas and New Year Road Safety Campaign has already led to 260 arrests across Ireland.
Between December 1st and December 10th, the number of people arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving has risen from 243 for the same period in 2016.
Roadside breath tests have found drivers positive of drug driving, while some arrested drivers were found to be over the alcohol limit on the morning after and early evenings.
Gardai have highlighted notable cases from around the country to give examples of severe drink driving incidents, including a driver arrested near Navan at 4pm on Saturday 9th, resultant alcohol reading 125/100.
Elsewhere, a driver in South County Dublin was arrested at 8pm on Sunday 10th with an alcohol reading 113/100.
Drink driving limits are 9 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath for a specified driver. A specified driver includes learner, novice and professional driver.
22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath is the limit for a non-specified driver.
“This Christmas campaign will continue to concentrate on intoxicated drivers all day every day. These high risk drivers put everyone’s life in danger. Never ever drink and drive,” gardai have warned.
Brian O’Donnell, Road Safety Officer Donegal County Council, Chief Inspector, Diane Pennington, Garda Inspector, Michael Harrison, and Harry Rutherford, Vice Chair Road Safety Authority NI and Folye & District Road Safety Committee.
In Donegal, PSNI and Gardai have joined forces to target drink drivers day and night throughout the coming weeks.
At the launch of the cross border operation, Brian O’Donnell, Donegal County Council Road Safety Officer said, “Our message to motorists is – never, ever drink or drug drive, because the consequences for you and others could be life changing.
“Christmas is a time when we get the opportunity to visit and go out with family and friends, who you do not see as often as you would like throughout the year. Nights out are a big part of the season but do not risk getting into a car if you have consumed alcohol or taken drugs. One second, one stupid decision and it can change yours and everyone’s lives around you forever.”
“It is vitally important to stress the importance of; if you drink, don’t drive and if you drive, don’t drink – it’s that simple.”
