A media briefing was held earlier today (21/4/2014) by Assistant Commissioner John Twomey, Garda National Traffic Bureau, following the 2013 Garda Christmas Traffic Enforcement Campaign.
- 22 people arrested on average each day for intoxicated driving
- 11 people arrested on Christmas Day/ 45 people arrested on New Years Day for intoxicated driving
- 44,000 people breath tested at 8,000 MAT Checkpoints
- 7 dangerous driving incidents detected per day
- 21 people lost their lives during the campaign
A review of the Garda Christmas Enforcement campaign reveals that although the vast majority of drivers obey Road Traffic laws, there remains a number who do not.
Figures released today show that during the 36 day Christmas Enforcement campaign, which ran from the 1st December 2013 to the 5th January 2014, there was considerable Garda enforcement activity. In particular, over 44,000 drivers were breath tested at more than 8,000 MAT checkpoints, which resulted in 805 drivers arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. 11 people were arrested on Christmas Day alone for drink driving.
Additional figures also reveal:-
• 8,138 MAT (Mandatory Alcohol Testing) checkpoints performed
• 44,090 drivers breath tested
• 17,559 Speeding offences detected
• 522 Seatbelt Offences detected
• 1,708 Mobile Phone Offences detected
• 243 Dangerous Driving Incidents
• 1,514 Vehicles detained
• 314 Road Transport Offences (such as overweight vehicles) detected
Assistant Commissioner John Twomey said today:-
"There was considerable Garda enforcement activity over the Christmas Campaign, as evidenced by over 44,000 being drivers breath tested, and over 800 drivers arrested for driving while intoxicated. It is totally unacceptable that some people continue to drink and drive.”
Assistant Commissioner Twomey continued:-"Even on Christmas Day, when families should be enjoying each other’s company, 11 people were arrested for drink driving. These people put themselves and others at significant risk. They may now face considerable penalties, which could have easily been avoided had they heeded the many safety messages that have gone out as part of this campaign in particular.”
Assistant Commissioner Twomey stressed:- "It is very disappointing that there was an increase in road deaths in 2013 after so many successive years of reductions. An Garda Síochána, along with all partner stakeholders, is committed to making our roads as safe as possible. We will use all available resources, both enforcement and educational, to make this happen.
Assistant Commissioner Twomey concluded:- "We would like to thank the 433,000 plus responsible drivers who passed the breath test at MAT checkpoints last year. Driving sober makes the road safe for us all. Similarly the vast majority of drivers drive within speed limits based on data from the GoSafe safety cameras, however for those that don’t, please remember that speed kills.
Our appeal for 2014 is for every road user to make it their New Year’s Resolution to be as safe as possible on the roads, starting by taking responsibility for their every action. Drivers in particular must slow down and never drink and drive. Road safety begins with each and every one of us. Let’s all stay safe in 2014.”
Additional Information 2012 2013*
Fatalities 162 190
Fatal collisions 152 182
Serious Injury Collisions 300 318
Driving while intoxicated incidents 9,527 7,962
MAT Checkpoints 71,624 78,290
Total breath tests at MAT checkpoints 460,578 441,380
Road Transport incidents 4,713 5,170
Dangerous Driving 4,339 3,438
Section 41 Detention of Vehicles 22,000 20,244
2012 2013*
Speeding - total 225,041 205,491
Seatbelts 13,834 11,840
Mobile Phones 30,783 28,087
* These figures are provisional, operational and subject to change.
Monthly totals for 2008-2013 are available here.
Notes to Editor
MAT Checkpoints Breath tests at MATs Drivers under the influence
2008 56,575 563,115 18,013
2009 57,636 529,037 15,121
2010 57,568 566,760 12,604
2011 70,861 539,658 10,579
2012 71,624 460,578 9,527
2013 78,290 441,380 7,962
2014 (Jan 20) 4,397 23,101 377
GoSafe Safety Camera Speed Enforcement Zones
In relation to speed limit compliance rates, data from the GoSafe safety camera system reveals that driving behaviour have improved at the 727 speed enforcement zones.The results of speed surveys show in between January 2011 and October 2013, compliance with the posted speed limit has increased:
• in 50 km/h zones from 62% to 89% compliance
• in 60 km/h zones from 78% to 90% compliance
• in 80 km/h zones from 89% to 96% compliance
• in 100 km/h zones from 96% to 99% compliance
30% of fatal road traffic collisions occurred in speed enforcement zones between 2004-2008
In 2013 17% of fatal traffic collisions occurred in speed enforcement zones.
Pictured at the Traffic Media Briefing were L-R - Superintendent Cornelius O'Donohue, Assistant Commissioner John Twomey and Garda Derek Cloughley.
