|
|
Gardai/PSNI launch border
clampdown
02.12.08
GARDAI and the PSNI
yesterday launched their joint Christmas clampdown
on drink driving along the border.
The campaign, launched in Bridgend will be in
operation until January 2009.
Garda Inspector Pat O’Donnell said: “A minority of
drivers continue to selfishly ignore all the advice
that has been offered in relation to drink driving.
"I wish to remind all drivers that we will be
increasing our focus over the festive period to
ensure that anyone drinking and driving will be
brought before the courts and disqualified from
driving. Enforcement of the drink-driving
legislation remains a major priority as part of our
ongoing commitment to reducing road casualties.” |
Gardaí are currently
carrying out over 30,000 breath tests every month.
Therefore, according to Inspector O’Donnell, "it’s
not a question of if you will get caught drink
driving, but when". He also stressed that motorists
may still be unsafe to drive the night after a heavy
drinking session.
"For example, after a heavy drinking session, it
could take over 13 hours for alcohol to leave your
system – that’s lunchtime the next day |
 |
and people should
factor this into any journeys they plan to make over
the festive season."
The latest campaign is backed by the Donegal Road
Safety Working Group as part of their ongoing road
safety awareness programme. Chairman Stephen Lambert
added: "If you're going out this Christmas with
friends, make the most of the festive season, but
don't chance drinking and driving. Leave your car at
home and don't risk your life and the lives of
others."
The working group issued the following advice to
road users:
Drive at a safe speed appropriate to the changeable
wintry conditions
Do not drink and drive and don’t let others drink
and drive.
Ensure that all passengers – front and rear – are
wearing a seatbelt
Drive with dipped headlights even during daylight
hours
When it is safe to do so, always pull in to the
roadside to use a mobile phone
For pedestrians, cyclists - wear bright clothing or
reflective material such as a high visibility vest. |
|
