177 arrests for driving under the influence over Easter weekend

GARDAI arrested 177 people over the Easter bank holiday weekend on suspicion of driving under the influence.

According to figures released by An Garda Siochana, more than 5,000 roadside drug and alcohol tests were conducted, which led to 177 arrests.

Over a quarter of these arrests occurred between 8am and 2pm.

A national Garda roads policing operation was in place between 7am on Thursday and 7am on Tuesday, April 2.

During that time, more than 2,630 drivers were also clocked for speeding offences, while over 220 motorists received fixed charged notices for using their mobile phone and 77 for no seatbelts.

Chief Superintendent, Jane Humphries of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said: “The past weekend was another very busy period on Irish roads, and a lot of people will be on the move again this week with many schools off for the midterm break.

“Gardai nationwide continue do all that they can to ensure that road users are safe and that those who break road traffic laws are detected, but the issues on our roads at present require the attention of every single person.”

Ms Humphries added: “Every driver is responsible for their own driving behaviour – there is no excuse whatsoever to get behind the wheel of a car under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“Keep your eyes always on the road – there is no valid reason to drive while distracted by your phone and that includes swiping on apps or paying attention to a map on your device.

“We are seeing some extremely dangerous driving behaviour that must be stopped.

“Slow down, be patient and be mindful of your actions while in control of the vehicle you’re driving.

“Responsible driving habits keep yourself and other road users safe. It is as simple as that.”

Since the start of the year, 58 people have lost their lives on Irish roads, 16 more lives lost in traffic collisions than this time last year.