It’s Christmas party season. That means there will be plenty of staff parties, family gatherings and drinks with friends.
Even though you want to enjoy the celebrations it’s important to make sure that you stay safe whilst travelling this Christmas.
The Road Safety Authority is urging drivers nationwide to stay safe and sober this festive season as new data from the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) show concerningly high levels of alcohol and other drugs in driver toxicology testing. New survey research from the RSA has also identified concerning behaviours and attitude among motorists in relation to driving under the influence.
The Clare Echo has teamed up with Martin Daly Autos to help you make sure that you stay safe on the roads this winter whilst still enjoying all of the festivities.
With December bringing holiday celebrations into full swing, the RSA, An Garda Síochána and the MBRS are urging motorists to stay drug and alcohol free to prevent collisions and protect all road users this
Christmas.
Recent surveys from MBRS have found that drivers on Irish roads are getting be- hind the wheel despite blood alcohol several times in excess of the legal limits for driving.
Professor Denis Cusack, Director of the MBRS said: “Intoxicated driving with alcohol and other drugs continues to be a major crash risk and problem on Irish roads. It is deeply concerning to see the high number of test results being significantly over the legal limits. Intoxicated driving significantly inhibits a driver’s ability to use the roads safely, putting themselves and all other road users at serious risk. The development of alcohol interlock devices to stop drunk driving has great potential to reduce this danger.”
RSA behaviour and attitudes research, conducted in November 2024, found that 11% of motorists admitted to driving after consuming any alcoholic drink in the past 12 months. Meanwhile, 25% of motorists said: “it is acceptable to drive short distances in your local area after consuming one alcohol- ic drink”.
Here are some tips to make sure you stay safe on the roads this Christmas;
- Plan Ahead: If you know you will be drinking, make sure to pre-book a taxi home
- Designated Driver: If you feel you maybe under pressure to drink, opt to be the groups designated driver. This way other people will be depending on you to drive them home and you are less likely to cave and have a drink.
- Find alternatives: If you are out celebrating with friends and you know you have to drive that evening or the next morning, tryout a non-alcoholic drink alternative to keep you sober and safe.
