More than 100 arrested for drink-driving

More than 100 people were arrested for suspected drink driving as the Bank Holiday weekend got underway, it was confirmed today.

As part of the safety enforcement operation, gardaí confirmed they had recorded 109 suspected drink-driving incidents.

Gardaí said the message was simple over this holiday period.

“If you are drinking this bank holiday weekend – don’t drive; use a nominated non-drinking driver to do the driving or else use public transport,” a spokesman said.

Earlier this week, the Garda Traffic Bureau warned up to 400 motorists will be arrested for drink driving, and a further 3,000 caught for speeding, over the Bank Holiday weekend.

After five people were killed and 137 injured during last year’s October Bank Holiday, officers promised a hard-hitting road safety enforcement operation. Around 324 people were arrested for drink-driving offences over the same period last year.

A large number of breathalyser checkpoints were planned for every garda division over the three days.

Gardaí also warned drivers that using handheld mobile phones whilst driving is a penalty point offence. Around 260 people are issued notices for breaking the offence every week.

People driving longer journeys over the weekend were urged to take frequent breaks to ensure they do not suffer from deadly driver fatigue.