Minister warns against taking lifts from drink-drivers

People must always refuse lifts from drink-drivers because they may never get home, a Government minister warned today.

Minister of State for Transport, Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher made the call as he launched a major road safety campaign in his native Co Donegal, one of the country’s worst accident blackspots.

Up to 205 people have been killed in road collisions across Ireland so far this year, a 15% increase on the same period in 2005.

Mr Gallagher said today: “Every one of us has a responsibility to always obey traffic laws and drink driving is no exception.

“Indeed, were all of us to refuse travelling with someone who insists on drink driving, our roads would be much safer and lives would be saved.”

The latest initiative in Co Donegal is aimed at reducing road carnage in the county, which is managed by the Donegal Road Safety Working Group.

The campaign focuses on drink driving with the slogan being: ’One drink is one drink too many. Never ever drink and drive.’

Joined by Road Safety Authority chairman, Gay Byrne for the launch in Letterkenny, Mr Gallagher said that the Road Traffic Bill had finally become law.

“This summer we will see mandatory breath testing and the ban on holding a mobile phone while driving – major steps forward in tackling the carnage on our roads,” he said.

The legislation has also paved the way for the outsourcing of several hundred speed cameras, which will be managed by the Gardai and the Justice Department.

The Donegal South West TD warned that drink driving continues to be a major contributory factor to deaths and injuries on Irish roads.

But he added that over 4,000 people were convicted of drink driving offences last year, an increase of 30% over 2004.

“The Road Traffic Bill will also enable the Gardaí to operate, for the first time, mandatory roadside breath testing,” he added.

“This, I hope will have a significant impact on driver behaviour in general, and in particular on those who persistently drink and drive.”

The TD remarked that combating drink driving required a balanced and sustained programme involving enforcement, public information campaigns and a range of hard-hitting deterrents, including driving disqualifications.

“We need everyone’s co-operation in order to make this a safe summer. While the enforcement of traffic laws is a top priority, each of us who use the roads carry a clear responsibility for our own safety and that of others.

Donegal County Council is developing the local awareness campaign along with the Donegal Road Safety Working Group.

Mr Gallagher said local initiatives play a pivotal role in improving road safety.

“A co-ordinated approach, which harnesses the input of local communities and society in general, works best in improving road safety.”

He also urged all road users to exercise care on the roads during the holiday period, when thousands of extra journeys are made by car and coach.

“The message is clear. Obey the speed limit. Wear your seat belt and never ever drink and drive“, added the minister.