Mandatory testing for crash drivers

In 2010 there were fewer people killed on the roads since records began. The Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána and in particular the Minister for Transport Mr Noel Dempsey, should be congratulated.

Unlike his ministerial colleagues Mr Dempsey delivered by introducing evidenced-based legislation. The tide turned in 2006 when the minister withstood the pressure from the vested interests of the alcohol industry and introduced and implemented random breath testing. In each succeeding year the number of deaths on our roads has fallen.

Research in Ireland shows that nine out of 10 surviving drivers in fatal crashes are not tested for alcohol, whilst almost all drivers killed are tested.