As we head into the Bank Holiday weekend the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are appealing to motorists to take extra care on the roads over the busy period.
"Bank holiday weekends are high risk periods on our roads. With good weather forecast for the weekend large numbers are expected to take to the roads. Road users need to redouble their efforts to stay safe on the roads," was the message from Noel Brett, CEO of the RSA.
Since 2006, 29 people have lost their lives and 63 have been seriously injured on this very weekend, and while there has been a decrease in the number of fatalities over the last few years there is still a high level of non-compliance with traffic laws. During the first quarter of 2012, fixed charge notices were issued to 56,289 drivers for speeding; 3,429 to people for not wearing their seatbelts; 3,266 people were prosecuted for drink driving offences; and 1,018 people were prosecuted for driving dangerously on our roads.
An Garda Síochána are particularly appealing to those who may fancy a tipple over the weekend and are reminding drivers to be conscious of the new lower drink driving limits.
"People are making good use of the fine weather, so if you are socialising at a BBQ or a friend's house and there is alcohol being served please remember alcohol impairs your driving," said Assistant Commissioner, John O'Mahoney. "The EURO Championships will also be starting very soon and there will be many people watching the coverage in various locations around the country. We appeal to all motorists to make the right choice."