Gardaí to increase checkpoints in major road safety campaign

Gardaí are to mount a major road safety campaign over the Christmas period.

There will be an increase in the number of checkpoints around the country, as part of the efforts to reduce road deaths.

Since the start of the year 177 people have been killed in accidents, compared with 162 for all of last year.

Assistant Garda Commissioner John Twomey is urging motorists to take precautions including avoiding drinking and driving, wearing seatbelts, and not using mobile phones.