The Road Safety Authority (RSA) in Ireland is urging drivers to stay safe and sober this festive season as new data from the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) show concerningly high levels of alcohol and other drugs in driver toxicology testing.
New survey research from the RSA has also identified concerning behaviours and attitudes among motorists in relation to driving under the influence.
With December bringing holiday celebrations into full swing, the RSA, An Garda Síochána and the MBRS are urging motorists to stay drug and alcohol free to prevent collisions and protect all road users this Christmas.
The MBRS has recently approved two Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices (AIIDs) which prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver has consumed alcohol.
“Intoxicated driving with alcohol and other drugs continues to be a major crash risk and problem on Irish roads,” said Professor Denis Cusack, Director of the MBRS.
“It is deeply concerning to see the high number of test results being significantly over the legal limits. 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.”
RSA behaviour and attitudes research, conducted in November 2024, found that 11% of motorists admitted to driving after consuming any alcoholic drink in the past 12 months. Meanwhile, 25% of motorists said: “it is acceptable to drive short distances in your local area after consuming one alcoholic drink.”
