Anti-drink driving campaign launched

AN estimated 45 people will die and more than 200 people face serious injury on the roads before Christmas, the National Safety Council (NSC) has warned.

Launching its festive season anti-drink driving campaign yesterday, the NSC estimated that alcohol will account for 16 road deaths and 80 serious injuries.

The launch followed the news that from December 1 gardaí will be entitled, under new legislation, to demand a breath test from any motorist who has committed a traffic offence without first having to form an opinion they are drunk.