AA survey reveals the worrying extent of the drink-driving problem in Ireland

More than one in ten Irish motorists have admitted to drink-driving in the last year.

A survey of just under 11,000 motorists in Ireland has revealed that 13 per cent of motorists have admitted to drink driving within the last 12 months. The results of the survey were published just in time for the August Bank Holiday weekend as the AA warn motorists not to drink and drive on one of the busiest weekends of the year. Elsewhere in the survey, it was revealed that 30 per cent of Irish motorists have admitted to hitting Irish roads after having consumed alcohol at some point in their lives. The practise is more common amongst the older generation, with over 20% of 55-65 year olds and over 65s admitting to having driven under the influence of alcohol in the last six months. Worryingly, 60 per cent of Irish motorists don’t know what the correct drink-drive limit is (legally permitted Blood Alcohol level of 50mgs), although four in ten Irish drivers thought that the limit was lower than it actually is. Commenting on the findings of the survey, AA Director of Consumer Affairs Conor Faughnan said: “It’s hard to believe that even in today’s backdrop of horror story after horror story playing out on our screens and newspapers, many motorists are still prepared to put theirs and others’ lives in grave danger. “Alcohol has regularly been a contributing factor to fatal accidents on our roads, and drivers and passengers alike owe it to themselves and other road users to not turn a blind eye or allow convenience overrule their good sense.”