Menu
02/06/2011
Mandatory Road Crash Breath Testing Begins
A major new road safety measure has now come into force for mandatory breath testing.
Gardaí will now be required to conduct a preliminary breath test where they believe a driver has consumed alcohol, or at the scene of a crash where someone has been injured and requires medical attention.
The new measures have been brought in through the Road Traffic Act (2011), the first piece of legislation under this Government to be signed into law by the President.
Minister Leo Varadkar said: “I am very pleased to confirm that it will be mandatory for Gardaí to conduct breath tests at the scene of a collision where someone has been injured and requires medical attention. This is a very welcome development which I hope will make a significant contribution to road safety.
“The Road Traffic Act (2011) which brings in these measures was the first piece of legislation placed before the Dáil after the general election, which shows that road safety is a key priority for this Government.
The Minister added“Revised blood alcohol concentration levels for all drivers are due to be introduced later this year, including a reduction to 20mgs for learner and professional drivers.
“I also hope to bring a second piece of legislation forward to introduce further new road safety measures. Options being considered, as part of the development of a Graduated Driver Licensing System, include doubling or increasing penalty points for learner and novice drivers in respect of certain high-risk driving offences, and a requirement for novice drivers who have recently passed a driving test to display ‘R’ plates.”
Minister Varadkar said his department is also considering further road safety measures which he hopes to introduce in the near future. Some of these include:
Gardaí will now be required to conduct a preliminary breath test where they believe a driver has consumed alcohol, or at the scene of a crash where someone has been injured and requires medical attention.
The new measures have been brought in through the Road Traffic Act (2011), the first piece of legislation under this Government to be signed into law by the President.
Minister Leo Varadkar said: “I am very pleased to confirm that it will be mandatory for Gardaí to conduct breath tests at the scene of a collision where someone has been injured and requires medical attention. This is a very welcome development which I hope will make a significant contribution to road safety.
“The Road Traffic Act (2011) which brings in these measures was the first piece of legislation placed before the Dáil after the general election, which shows that road safety is a key priority for this Government.
The Minister added“Revised blood alcohol concentration levels for all drivers are due to be introduced later this year, including a reduction to 20mgs for learner and professional drivers.
“I also hope to bring a second piece of legislation forward to introduce further new road safety measures. Options being considered, as part of the development of a Graduated Driver Licensing System, include doubling or increasing penalty points for learner and novice drivers in respect of certain high-risk driving offences, and a requirement for novice drivers who have recently passed a driving test to display ‘R’ plates.”
Minister Varadkar said his department is also considering further road safety measures which he hopes to introduce in the near future. Some of these include:
- A hazard perception test for the driving test, currently being considered by the Road Safety Authority
- An expert group is examining the possibility of expanding sentencing options available to the courts for driving offences
- Proposals are currently being finalised for the roll-out of more of the agreed penalty point offences.
(BMcN)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 August 2014
'N' Plate For New Drivers Comes Into Force Today
The new Novice plate for new drivers is to come into force today. New drivers will replace their 'L' plates with the new 'N' plates, which they will have to display for two years. Under the new law that brings in the 'N' plate, the number of penalty points before disqualification has been reduced to seven.
'N' Plate For New Drivers Comes Into Force Today
The new Novice plate for new drivers is to come into force today. New drivers will replace their 'L' plates with the new 'N' plates, which they will have to display for two years. Under the new law that brings in the 'N' plate, the number of penalty points before disqualification has been reduced to seven.
28 May 2019
Drug Drivers Target Of New Safety Campaign
A new road safety campaign to be held over the June Bank Holiday will target drug drivers, amid an increase in DUI arrests in the first months of the year. The bank holiday safety drive was launched by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána and the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS).
Drug Drivers Target Of New Safety Campaign
A new road safety campaign to be held over the June Bank Holiday will target drug drivers, amid an increase in DUI arrests in the first months of the year. The bank holiday safety drive was launched by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána and the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS).
22 June 2010
Ireland Gets Award For Cutting Road Deaths
Ireland has been recognised for cutting its level of road deaths almost by half since 2001. The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) will, this afternoon, present Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey with its 2010 road safety award in Brussels after Ireland cut its a 41% cut in deaths from road collisions.
Ireland Gets Award For Cutting Road Deaths
Ireland has been recognised for cutting its level of road deaths almost by half since 2001. The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) will, this afternoon, present Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey with its 2010 road safety award in Brussels after Ireland cut its a 41% cut in deaths from road collisions.
06 July 2018
Dáil Votes In Favour Of New Drink Driving Legislation
The Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill has been passed in the Dáil. The majority of TDs voted in favour of the new road traffic legislation. An automatic driving ban for first-time drink drive offenders detected at the lowest limit has been introduced.
Dáil Votes In Favour Of New Drink Driving Legislation
The Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill has been passed in the Dáil. The majority of TDs voted in favour of the new road traffic legislation. An automatic driving ban for first-time drink drive offenders detected at the lowest limit has been introduced.
16 December 2011
Police Launch Xmas Road Safety Campaign
Garda and the Road Safety Authority are on Friday launching their road safety campaign for the Christmas and New Year Period, in an effort to keep Irish road deaths falling.
Police Launch Xmas Road Safety Campaign
Garda and the Road Safety Authority are on Friday launching their road safety campaign for the Christmas and New Year Period, in an effort to keep Irish road deaths falling.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Storm Bert will move east through the Northern Isles today. Though weakening it will still bring strong to gale winds to many in Northern Ireland and showers to all, these frequent, occasionally heavy across northern districts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Strong west to northwest winds easing overnight. Showers, most frequent during the evening and in north but dwindling overnight to leave most dry and bright come dawn. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
