THE Donegal Road Safety
Working Group yesterday urged drivers to resist the
temptation to drink and drive after Summer
barbecues, festivals and concerts.
"The summer often increases the opportunities for
people to be out enjoying themselves and for
unplanned drinking like family barbeques, local
festivals or concerts. However, the consequences of
drink driving can last much longer than your
hangover and change the rest of your life," said the
group's chairperson Stephen Lambert.
Donegal traffic Garda Inspector Pat O’Donnell added:
“Drink and drug driving continues to be a menace on
our roads. We don't want to stop people from
enjoying the social aspect to the summer. But we
want people to do it safely and responsibly. "That
means staying sober and alert. I would urge
motorists to think about the consequences of being
caught committing an offence. At best you risk a
fine, mandatory ban and an increase in your car
insurance premium. At worst you risk losing your job
or going to jail." Inspector O'Donnell said Gardai
regularly saw the terrible consequences of drink and
drug driving.
"Lives are wrecked as a result. The message is
simple. Anyone who is caught driving under the
influence will be arrested and dealt with through
the courts," he said. Statistics from the first ever
national study of alcohol and fatal road crashes in
Ireland five years ago, showed that drink was a
contributory factor in 37% of all fatal crashes and
a factor in 62% of single vehicle crashes.
Advice for motorists:
- Don't drink/drug and drive - there is no safe limit
- If you are going out in a group, designate a driver
who will not drink alcohol
- Make alternative arrangements to get home such as a
taxi or bus
- Stay overnight
- Never get into a vehicle with someone who has been
drinking or taking drugs |
