Nine arrested for driving under influence over Bank Holiday

Nationally there were 160 suspected offences for driving under the influence: 105 suspected offences for ‘Drink Driving’ and 55 suspected offences for ‘Drug Driving’.

Nine local people were arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant over the August Bank Holiday weekend, including five motorists arrested for drug driving.

Three others were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, and one more for dangerous driving- an incident where Gardaí in Monaghan observed a car performing 'donuts' at Killyneill Cross, Tyholland August 1. A short pursuit followed and the driver was arrested and later charged for offences under the road traffic act.

One of the five motorists detected for driving under the influence of drugs had already been previously convicted of driving offences and was disqualified at the time.

In total there were four recorded road fatalities over the past weekend compared to zero for the same period in 2019.

Nationally there were 160 suspected offences for driving under the influence: 105 suspected offences for ‘Drink Driving’ and 55 suspected offences for ‘Drug Driving’.

There were also 2,624 instances of excessive speed recorded. Among them, on Saturday, a driver was detected travelling at 203kph on the M1 motorway by the Drogheda Roads Policing Unit, 83km over the speed limit.

There were also 60 road traffic collisions, eight serious and 10 serious road traffic injuries.

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy seen on our roads this weekend. I want to take this opportunity to send our condolences to all of those affected. An Garda Síochána views any road death as one too many and we will continue to work together with our partners in road safety to reduce road deaths.”

An Garda Síochána and the RSA are also very disappointed by the high number of road traffic offences detected over weekend, and the blatant disregard for others.

Ast Comm Hilman added: "The level of endangerment we encountered over the weekend is not acceptable. Despite our best efforts to proactively engage and educate drivers, too many are still taking chances and putting people’s lives at risk.”

Many people are on staycations in August An Garda Siochana is urging all road users to be extra vigilant in order to avoid further road deaths and serious injury.

Nine people lost their lives on Irish roads in August 2019 and, to date in August 2020, there have already been three deaths on the nation's roads.