Tougher laws lead to fewer failed breath tests

THE number of people either failing or refusing Garda checkpoint breath tests has dropped significantly since toughened laws were introduced in 2006.

In a three-month period from the start of June this year, 396 people either failed the roadside breath test or refused to provide a sample.

Provisional Garda figures show that 6,929 mandatory alcohol test (MAT) checkpoints were manned throughout the country. Approximately 184,097vehicles passed through the checkpoints and 83,065 drivers were breath tested.