Gardai express disappointment as road safety warnings 'ignored by some'

An Garda Siochana have expressed their regret at the fact their road safety messages for the Bank Holiday weekend were not heeded to certain quarters.

Between Friday and Monday, there were 14 arrests on the road in the county, which made for a disappointing return and the focus will now shift to the Donegal International Rally, which begins on the weekend of June 16.

“Sadly, it would appear that yet again the Bank Holiday road safety message was ignored by some,” a Donegal Garda spokesperson said. “There were a number of arrests across Donegal over the course of the Bank Holiday weekend for offences relating to driving while under the influence. Between Friday and Monday, there were two arrests for the offence of drug driving and there were 12 arrests for drink driving related offences.

“We urge all road users to always act responsibly when it comes to road safety. If you take to the roads while under the influence you are without a doubt endangering yourself and others. It is too late when a tragedy occurs and no amount of apologies or regrets can undo the harm caused.

“ Don’t have regrets. Make a promise to yourself that you will never put lives at risk by getting behind the wheel of any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Do not get into any vehicle as a passenger if you think that the driver may be under the influence. The Donegal rally is on the horizon and we will be putting out a number of road safety-related messages around that time but regardless of whether it is a Bank Holiday weekend or the rally weekend we urge everybody to make road safety a top priority.”