Bank holiday crackdown on speeding and drink-driving

31/07/2008 - 12:23:23
Gardaí will be out in force over the bank holiday weekend as part of a blitz to target speeding and drink-driving.

So far this year 169 people have been killed on the country’s roads, according to Garda figures.

Four people died over the August holiday weekend last year and more than 2,500 motorists were caught driving too fast.

Gardai said a 11km/h drop in speed leads to a 4% reduction in deaths and drivers are being urged to slow down and take heed of driving conditions.

With alcohol the second biggest factor in road deaths officers will be targeting drink-drivers with extra mandatory breath-test checkpoints rolled out nationwide.

Last year 384 people were caught over the legal limit compared with 327 in 2006.

The message is ’never drink and drive’ and have a designated driver or get a taxi if you are taking alcohol, gardaí said.

Meanwhile the Meas alcohol awareness group warned revellers that they could still be over the limit on the morning after socialising.

Meas (Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society) chief Fionnuala Sheehan said: “We have found that many people are unaware of what is a standard drink and the period of time it takes our bodies to eliminate it.

“There are lots of myths out there about cures and soakage strategies. The only cure is time and it takes on average one hour to get rid of one standard drink. It is really important for motorists to be aware of this, especially the morning after a night out.”

Meas said a standard drink measures the amount of alcohol, not the amount of liquid you’re drinking.