Sobering reality of drink driving - Road safety figures

DESPITE the dangers and the tragedies that can result, drinking and driving is still all too prevalent in Ireland. The latest figures from the Road Safety Authority show that a staggering number of motorists get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

Ten per cent of motorists have admitted to consuming alcohol before driving in the past 12 months, according to a survey of driver attitudes conducted on behalf of the RSA for the launch of its annual festive road safety campaign.

That is a sobering thought for us all concerning a practise that most of us would have considered had long gone from Irish society and was no longer tolerated here.

Most motorists who drink and drive would never consider themselves to be criminals but they need to accept that what they are doing is as wrong and unacceptable as robbing a shop at gunpoint.

In the event of an accident, driving under the influence can have devastating consequences for all involved, often way out of proportion to the intention of the motorist.

In the run-up to Christmas it makes sense to plan a night out that includes a plan to get home safely. Office and retail managers, farming co-ops, hotel and pub owners and individuals all have a role to play to ensure that friends, colleagues and customers do not get behind the wheel after drinking.

It should, after all, be a festive season —not a fatal one.