Preliminary results from the Gardaí's Christmas drink driving campaign show that the number of arrests are up on the same period last year. One thousand and fifty-eight people were arrested for drink driving from 11 December until 4 January by comparison with 978 last year. Sixty per cent of those arrested were found to be twice the legal limit or more. Full results are expected in the next few days.
The Garda Officer in charge of traffic has said that serious consideration should now be given to withdrawing insurance cover from drunk drivers involved in accidents. Chief Superintendent Denis Fitzpatrick made his comments following the release of the figures.
Forty-five people died on the roads over Christmas, four less than last year. However, while less pedestrians and passengers died, more drivers and motorcyclists were killed.
