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The Road Safety Authority (RSA), in collaboration with the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) and An Garda Síochána, has issued a strong appeal for road safety this festive season, following alarming new data showing high levels of intoxicated driving.

Key Findings on Alcohol and Drug Use Among Drivers

Recent MBRS toxicology results reveal concerning trends in 2024:

• The median blood alcohol concentration was 152mg/100ml, over three times the legal limit of 50mg/100ml.
• The maximum recorded blood alcohol concentration was a staggering 427mg/100ml, over eight times the legal limit.
• Drug levels also showed troubling figures, with cannabis and cocaine concentrations averaging six times their legal limits.

These findings underline the persistent dangers posed by intoxicated driving, with alcohol and drugs continuing to contribute significantly to road collisions.

Professor Denis Cusack, Director of the MBRS, said:

“Intoxicated driving significantly inhibits a driver’s ability to use the roads safely, putting themselves and all other road users at serious risk. The development of alcohol interlock devices to stop drunk driving has great potential to reduce this danger.”

Public Attitudes and Behaviours

Recent RSA research highlights concerning public attitudes:

• 11% of motorists admitted to driving after drinking alcohol in the past year.
• 25% of respondents believe it is acceptable to drive short distances after consuming one drink.

Sam Waide

, Chief Executive of the RSA, emphasised the devastating consequences of impaired driving:

“Driving under the influence of drink or drugs not only endangers your life but also puts others at risk, leading to empty seats at tables and devastation for families this Christmas. Let’s all commit to reducing lives lost on Irish roads and make this Christmas a time of joy, not tragedy.”

Gardaí Intensify Enforcement Efforts

An Garda Síochána has stepped up enforcement:

• Over 100,000 checkpoints conducted in 2024, averaging 300 per day.
• A 57% increase in oral fluid drug tests and a 26% rise in breath tests compared to 2023.
• More than 7,000 drivers arrested for driving under the influence—over one per hour every day.

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman

of An Garda Síochána warned:

“Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is one of the most fatal factors that put motorists at risk. Those that take drugs or have alcohol before driving are playing roulette with their own life and the lives of others.”

Holiday Safety Campaign

The RSA, MBRS, and Gardaí are intensifying their efforts to ensure road safety during the holiday season. Key initiatives include:

• Piloting breathalyser stations in hospitality venues, which have shown that 44% of people over the legal limit mistakenly believed they were fit to drive.
• Promoting road safety awareness through national campaigns across TV, radio, and social media.

A Call for Responsibility

December 2023 saw 14 fatalities and 124 serious injuries on Irish roads. This year, 165 lives have been lost to date—five fewer than in the same period last year, but still an unacceptable toll.

As holiday celebrations begin, the RSA and Gardaí urge all motorists to stay sober and vigilant behind the wheel, protecting lives and preventing unnecessary tragedies on Irish roads.