Gardaí arrest over 100 motorists for driving under the influence of drink or drugs last week

Over 1,750 checkpoints were carried out, which included both mandatory intoxicant testing as well as high-visibility policing checkpoints. File photo

Over 100 motorists were arrested for drink- or drug-driving by gardaí last week. 

The arrests come as part of a dedicated road traffic enforcement operation throughout the Christmas period, which will continue until January 5. 

Over 1,750 checkpoints were carried out, which included both mandatory intoxicant testing as well as high-visibility policing checkpoints.

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Between December 1-7, there were two deaths and 12 serious collisions, which resulted in a number of people receiving serious and life-threatening injuries.

Some 118 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Over 3,100 drivers were detected for speeding offences. 

Some notable speeds included:

• 112km/h in a 50km/h zone on the Phibsborough Road in Dublin 
• 107km/h in a 60km/h zone on the N15 in Stranorlar, Co. Donegal 
• 159km/h in an 80km/h zone on the R418 in Kilcullen, Co. Kildare 
• 185km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N80 in Craan, Co. Carlow 
• 184km/h in a 120km/h zone on the M1 in Donabate, Co. Dublin 

More than 630 vehicles were seized by gardaí for a range of offences under the Road Traffic Act, 1961. Around 390 Fixed Charge Notices were issued for using phones while driving, and 110 were issued for seat belt offences. 

"The Christmas period is one of the busiest on Irish roads. It is also one of the periods during which road users are at the highest risk of being involved in a fatal or serious road traffic collision," a garda spokesperson said. 

"To date, 168 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads."

"An Garda Síochána is appealing to all those that will be taking to the roads over the Christmas period to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention," the spokesperson added.