1,600 traffic collisions occur in the first two weeks of December

In the last two weeks, 308 drivers have been arrested for suspected driving under the influence of an intoxicant, including 86 for drug-driving. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

There have been, on average, over 100 crashes on our roads every day over the past two weeks. Arising from these, five people have been killed.

Gardaí say 1,600 collisions have occurred since they began their Christmas Road Safety message at the beginning of the month.

So far this year, 177 people have lost their lives on our roads, which is a rise of 30 deaths compared with 2022. Inspector Ronan McDonald said that those who are not killed can be left with catastrophic injuries.

"People involved in collisions can have a variety of injuries. Obviously, the most serious ones are life-changing," he said.

"People lose limbs, people lose the ability to talk. We all hear about them and it is something that we just don't want people to have to suffer. It's unnecessary."

Insp. McDonald urged people to slow down and said it is disappointing to see some driver behaviour isn't changing. In the last two weeks, 308 drivers have been arrested for suspected driving under the influence of an intoxicant, including 86 for drug-driving.

Over 7,400 drivers have been caught under the influence so far this year. More than a third were caught with drugs in their system and the rest with alcohol. The figures are broadly in line with previous years.

An Garda Síochána carried out 1,400 checkpoints in the past 14 days. In the same period, over 5,500 fixed charge notices have been issued for speeding and 360 for the use of a mobile phone.

"In relation to the Christmas period, do not drive while intoxicated. If you are going out for the night for your Christmas night out, or a family get-together, or a social event at home, please don't just plan for that night.

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"You need to plan for the next day as well. Alcohol and if you do take drugs—even prescription medication—if you know that you are affected then please don't get behind the wheel of a car."

The Christmas and New Year Road Safety Enforcement Operation will run until 7am on Thursday, January 4. The operation specifically targets the hazards of driving under the influence, lack of seatbelt use, speeding, and mobile phone use while driving.

An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to motorists to drive safely on the roads this Christmas and New Year, never drive under the influence of an intoxicant, reduce speed, always wear a seatbelt and never use a mobile phone while driving.