A clampdown on intoxicated driving is the focus of an extensive road safety campaign in place across the St Patrick's Day bank holiday weekend.
The operation, which has been in effect since 7am, is particularly targeting motorists who get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
The road safety initiative will remain in place until 7am on Tuesday, with gardaí warning they will be out in force over the coming days, with checkpoints being set up.
Over the St Patrick’s bank holiday period in 2023, gardaí arrested 196 drivers on suspicion of drink or drug driving.
A total of 175 motorists were arrested on suspicion of similar offences during the same time last year.
Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries, of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, said there will be increased garda activity on the roads nationwide.
She said it is expected that large numbers of people will be out drinking and socialising as part of the St Patrick's celebrations.
She said on average gardaí make one arrest an hour of people driving under the influence and "we are expecting that to increase over the weekend".
"We are appealing to people not to drink and not to take drugs when they're driving," Chief Supt Humphries added.
Chief Supt Humphries is advising people to plan ahead and to organise a safe way home if out socialising.
She said: "We're asking that when you do go out and socialise, do make alternative arrangements to get home.
"Don't get into your car if you've taken drugs or drink, and especially as a passenger, do not get in as a passenger with somebody who has taken substances as a driver.
"People are of the belief that they're not going to get caught. Don't take that chance."
She also advised motorists to be cautious about driving the morning after a night out drinking.
"We do see a large number of arrests the morning after, right up to 2pm in the afternoon," Chief Supt Humphries added.
Gardaí will also be targeting other offences including speeding, mobile phone use and not wearing a seatbelt.
Alcohol and drugs significantly increase crash risk, says RSA
The Road Safety Authority has warned motorists that alcohol and drugs "significantly increase" the risk of a crash when driving.
The RSA Director of External Affairs, Sarah O'Connor, has appealed to people to "never drink and drive and never take drugs and drive".
She said research carried out in 2024 found that one in 10 people admitted to driving after drinking.
"We're very concerned about bank holiday weekends in general where we see increased risk, and specifically the St Patrick's Day bank holiday weekend."
Ms O’Connor said the message is clear that "alcohol and drugs significantly increase your crash risk".
The latest figures show there has been a 21% reduction in the number of people killed on the roads so far this year, compared to the same period last year.
As of this morning, 33 people have lost their lives in incidents, down from 42 at the same time in 2024.
Ms O’Connor said: "We have, very thankfully, seen a reduction in fatalities this year in comparison to last year.
"It has, over the course of the last number of days, fluctuated between eight or nine under [last year's figures]. Two weeks ago, we were at 14 under."
Last year, four people died and 30 people were seriously injured in road traffic collisions over the St Patrick’s bank holiday weekend.
Gardaí and the RSA are advising people who will be out socialising and drinking over the long weekend to "leave their car at home, arrange a designated driver among friends or pre-book a taxi, use public transport where possible or fix up a lift home from someone they trust who will not be under the influence".
People are also being reminded that "walking home or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also put you and other road users at risk".
