Increase in accidents and drink driving arrests during Patrick's Day period

Six people were killed in crashes over the St Patrick's Day Bank Holiday period - 50% more compared to the same period in 2010.

A total of 267 motorists were arrested on suspicion of drink driving during the St Patrick's break, an increase of 3% compared to last year.

The number of people who suffered serious injuries as a result of collisions also rose year-on-year by 20%.

Assistant Commissioner Traffic John Twomey said: “An Garda Síochána conducted 1,195 MAT checkpoints and 11,651 drivers were tested at these (an increase of 32% on same period last year). Thirty-seven drivers were arrested at these checkpoints.

“This increase in the number of drivers arrested for drink driving is disappointing, as despite the best efforts of An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority – drivers continue to lose their lives.”

Provisional figures indicate that more than 5,000 drivers were detected speeding during the Bank Holiday period.

Assistant Commissioner Twomey said: “The increase in the number of drivers, speeding and drink/drug driving – despite all the evidence as to the consequences of such behaviour is disappointing.

“These people are from our communities and it is our communities who are paying the price for their recklessness. An Garda Síochána will continue its effort to stamp out this behaviour.”