01 June 2011
RSA Welcomes Introduction of New Life Saving Anti Drink Driving Law
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has welcomed the granting of new powers, by the Minster for Transport, Tourism & Sport Mr. Leo Varadkar, to An Garda Síochána, to test drivers for the presence of alcohol at the scene of road traffic collisions.
The measures which come into force from today, Wednesday 1st June 2011, requires Gardai to conduct mandatory testing of drivers for alcohol at the scene of a crash where someone has been injured, or of a driver who has been injured and removed to hospital.
Welcoming the new life saving legislation, Mr. Noel Brett, CEO, RSA said “This measure is another very important step towards removing the scourge of drink driving from our roads. I’m confident that, combined with the planned reduction in the drink driving limits later this year, this measure will save many lives and prevent many serious injuries.”
“However the introduction of such important measures would not have been possible without the support of the public and there has been a profound change in people’s attitudes and behaviour over the past decade. Drinking and driving is now viewed by the vast majority of people in this country as anti social behaviour.” Said Mr. Brett. He added that “The excellent work of An Garda Síochána enforcing our drink driving laws must also be acknowledged. As a result of their efforts drivers now know they have a very good chance of getting caught if they break the law and that they also risk a hefty fine and losing their driving licence for a lengthy period if prosecuted.”
The RSA also made a public appeal to road users in advance of the June Bank Holiday Weekend to take extra care when using the roads.
“We don’t want weekend fun to turn to tragedy so please remember that the roads will be much busier over the weekend. Many people will be holidaying, walking, cycling and motorcycling, travelling to sporting events and local festivals. In addition, the roads will be busy with farming machinery about. Busier roads and a holiday atmosphere means we all need to expect the unexpected on the roads”
A total of 53 people have been killed and 116 people seriously injured in June Bank Holiday crashes between 2000 and 2010. (see Table 1 Below)
A total of 77 people have died on the roads to date in 2011. This is a decrease of 11 in the number of killed in the same period last year. For further information on road safety visit www.rsa.ie. The RSA also has a presence on Facebook; Road Safety Authority Ireland and on Twitter #RSAIreland.
For further information please contact:
RSA Communications Office: 096 - 25008
Table 1. Killed and Seriously Injured Casualties over the June bank holiday period 2000-2010.
| YEAR |
KILLED |
SERIOUSLY INJURED |
KSI |
| 2000 |
9 |
19 |
28 |
| 2001 |
1 |
15 |
16 |
| 2002 |
5 |
8 |
13 |
| 2003 |
3 |
11 |
14 |
| 2004 |
5 |
12 |
17 |
| 2005 |
3 |
5 |
8 |
| 2006 |
7 |
10 |
17 |
| 2007 |
4 |
15 |
19 |
| 2008 |
9 |
9 |
18 |
| 2009 |
5 |
6 |
11 |
| 2010 prov |
2 |
6 |
8 |
| TOTAL |
53 |
116 |
169 |