An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have issued an appeal to motorists ahead of the St. Patrick's Day weekend to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Gardaí and the RSA are reminding drivers and all other road users to plan ahead and organise a safe way home if socialising over the coming days.

An Garda Síochána said anyone who is intending to socialise and have drinks at any point over the long weekend needs to leave their car at home and arrange a designated driver among friends, pre-book a taxi, use public transport where possible, or get a lift home from someone they trust who will not be under the influence.

At no point is it safe or acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having an intoxicant like alcohol or drugs.

Gardaí also said walking home or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also put you and other road users at risk.

In the 10 weeks since the turn of the year, 33 people have been killed in fatal road traffic collisions on the roads in Ireland.

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, said: "Road safety is a priority for this government and we are determined to reduce the fatalities and serious injuries that have devastated so many families and communities across Ireland.

An extensive garda roads policing operation which will take place throughout the bank holiday weekend. It began at 7:00a.m this morning (Thursday, March 13) and will run until 7:00a.m on Tuesday, March 18.

An Garda Síochána said every on-duty garda will be out conducting road traffic enforcement activity this weekend.

Gardaí said they will be focused on targeting the four offences that are proven to cause fatal and serious collisions, which are:

Intoxicated driving;
Speeding;
Using your mobile phone;
Not wearing a seatbelt.

Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said: "On every day of 2024, gardaí arrested at least one driver every hour for driving while intoxicated.

"While drug driving is a major concern, the vast majority of the thousands of people detected and arrested for intoxicated driving during the past year were under the influence of alcohol."

Michael Rowland, director of research, standards and assurance at the Road Safety Authority said: "Intoxicated driving significantly increases your crash risk. It also carries a serious penalty of a driving disqualification and fine.

"We are asking all road users to take care when out and about this weekend, make plans to avoid intoxicated driving, and to speak up if you see anyone about to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Rowland added.