RSA Report Reveals Alcohol Contributed To 38% Of Road Deaths

A new Road Safety Authority (RSA) report has revealed that alcohol contributed to 38% of all fatal road collisions between 2008 and 2012.

Overall, there was 983 fatal incidents which claimed the lives of 1,077 people. Out of these, the forensic details of 867 cases were exanimed to identify their cause.

The results show alcohol was a "main contributory factor" in two out of five (330) collisions, resulting in the death of 286 people. A further 69 people were seriously injured.

In addition, 81% of drivers and 51% of passengers who were not wearing a seatbelt and had consumed alcohol were killed.

Transport Minister Shane Ross said the report highlights Ireland continues to have a problem with drink driving.

"The consequences are having a devastating effect in our communities," he said.

"We must continue educating drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and passengers about the very real dangers and consequences of making the bad decision to use the road after consuming alcohol."

Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of the RSA, added: "An RSA report from 2011 showed that alcohol was a confirmed contributory factor in 15% of fatal collisions involving a driver or motorcyclist who had consumed alcohol between 2005 and 2007. The study published today shows that this has risen to 20%. This is deeply worrying.

"While the majority of people in this country do the right thing, it is shocking to see that alcohol is still a significant factor."

Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid, An Garda Síochána said: "Over 3,000 people have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant since the beginning of the year.

"We wish to remind road-users that An Garda Síochána will be out on the roads over the bank holiday weekend to monitor all high risk behaviour, including drink driving."

(LM)