Donegal gardaí arrest 17 drivers and seize 18 vehicles in bank holiday operation
The arrests and seizures were part of what gardaí have called an extensive roads policing operation, which began on Thursday, July 30 and continued until Tuesday morning
Seventeen drivers were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving over the bank holiday weekend in Donegal.
Gardaí in the county also seized 18 vehicles - including tractors, cars and e-scooters - for various reasons such as no insurance, obstruction, no NCT, dangerous driving and from learner drivers who were driving while unaccompanied.
The arrest and seizures were part of what gardaí have called an extensive roads policing operation, which began on Thursday, July 30 and continued until Tuesday morning.
Gardaí say that during the first half of this year, an average of one driver was arrested every hour of every day for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, amounting to more than 4,600 arrests between January 1 and June 30.
“These figures are worryingly high and so we continue to urge all drivers never to consider getting behind the wheel if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” A Garda spokesperson said.
“Do not get into a vehicle as a passenger either if you suspect that the driver may be under the influence. Please alert gardaí immediately if you suspect that someone is driving while under the influence.”
Gardaí are also reminding all learner permit drivers that they must be accompanied by a qualified driver while driving.
A qualified driver is someone who has had a full, valid driving licence in the same vehicle category for a minimum of two years.