11 people have died on Irish roads during the St Patrick's Bank holiday period, over the past 5 years.
Today the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána launched a road safety appeal for the holiday weekend, advising motorists to leave the keys at home if you plan on drinking over the St. Patrick's weekend.
72 drivers were arrested for drink driving during last year's St. Patricks weekend.
According to Garda figures, 33 people were arrested for drug driving over the same period in 2022.
In terms of morning after detections, 34 people were arrested - between 6am and 12pm - for intoxicated driving.
An Garda Síochána also noted, for the 5 year period - 2015 to 2019 - 37 per cent of driver fatalities (with a toxicology result available), tested positive for the presence of alcohol.
The authority's main message this celebratory period - never ever drink and drive.
