Random breath-testing ‘has already reduced road deaths’

The introduction of random breath-testing has reportedly already cut the level of carnage on Irelands' roads.

Reports this morning say the death rate from road accidents in August is already well below that of recent years.

Just 16 people have died in crashes so far this month and, if the trend continues for the next three years, the death rate for the month could be the lowest in 20 years.

This morning's reports say gardaí believe the country may have finally "turned the corner on drink-driving".

However, the penalty points system had a similar effect when it was introduced a number of years ago, only for the figures to rise again as motorists got used to the changes.