A total of 177 people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs over the course of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
In an update on their road safety enforcement operation, under way over the Easter period from last Thursday up to this morning, gardaí say they continue to see extremely dangerous driving behaviour on the roads, which must be stopped.
More than 5,000 roadside drug and alcohol tests were carried out during the campaign and over a quarter of arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant occurred between the hours of 8am and 2pm.
Of the 177 arrests, 36 came within the last 24 hours of the garda operation.
Over the course of the weekend, more than 2,600 motorists were detected speeding on Irish roads, including one driver clocked at 126km/h in a 50km/h zone on the Tonglee Road in Dublin.
Among the other notable speeding incidents were a motorist caught doing 193km/h in a 120km/h zone on the M1 at Bellewstown in Co Meath, as well as someone detected at 104km/h in a 60km/zone in Buncrana, Co Donegal.
There were three fatalities on Irish roads between Friday and Monday, while 13 serious collisions took place which resulted in serious injury.
Sixteen people more have died on Irish roads compared to the same time last year.
In addition to speeding offences, more than 220 motorists were found to be driving while using a mobile phone, while 77 were not wearing seatbelts.
'Shocking and disappointing'
Jane Humphries, Chief Superintendent of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau described the figures as "shocking and disappointing".
Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime she said there is an idea that driving while intoxicated is "acceptable" in certain circumstances.
"It’s okay to do this, 'I’m only going up the road’ or ‘I’m only driving a short distance’ or again the idea that I’ll never get caught," she said. "People are being caught," she 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," she said.
Plans for TY road safety module
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is to convene focus groups with teachers and students on a new road safety module for Transition Year.
It is part of measures to help improve road safety culture among young people.
In 2023, there were 12 road fatalities amongst children under 15, and 113 serious injuries in the same age group.
Also last year, there were 48 fatalities of those aged 16 to 25 with a further 299 serious injuries in that cohort.
Minister for Education Norma Foley said: "I am pleased today to welcome the convening of focus groups which will engage directly with students and teachers to begin the work on developing such a module and my Department looks forward to working with the RSA over the coming months to support in bringing this to fruition."
Chief Executive of the RSA, Sam Waide said: "We have in recent days reached agreement with an experienced educator to lead the upcoming work and we will be working hard to have the new programme ready for September."
Additional reporting Brian O'Donovan
