National: Gardaí reveal hundreds of drivers arrested for drunk driving in Christmas clampdown

Gardaí have revealed that 308 drivers have already been arrested in the Christmas and New Year clampdown to reduce road traffic fatalities. 

An Garda Síochána commenced its Christmas and New Year Road Safety Enforcement Operation on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 7am, which will run until 7am on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

So far this year, 177 lives have been lost in road traffic collisions on Irish roads, in what gardaí say is a concerning increase of 30 deaths compared to the same period last year.

The garda operation specifically targets the hazards of driving under the influence, lack of seatbelt use, speeding, and mobile phone use while driving.

From December 1 to December 14, 2023, there were 5 fatalities on Irish roads, a decrease from 7 during the same period in 2022 and 3 in 2019.

During the ongoing operation, An Garda Síochána members have arrested 308 drivers on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant, including 86 for drug driving.

In excess of 1,400 MIT checkpoints have been carried out.

Fixed charge notices issued by An Garda Síochána between December 1 and December 14, 2023 for key lifesaver offences include in excess of 5,500 for driving in excess of the speed limits and 360 for use of mobile phones.

An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to motorists to drive safely on our roads this Christmas and New Year, never drive under the influence of an intoxicant, reduce speed, always wear a seatbelt and never use a mobile phone while driving.