50 people have died on Irish roads this year, compared with 27 to the same date in 2021.
The Road Safety Authority and Gardaí are warning road users to drive safely across the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, as deaths on the road have increased at an alarming rate.
50 people have died on Irish roads this year, compared with 27 to the same date in 2021.
Gardaí will particularly be looking at cracking down on drug-driving over the weekend.
768 people have been arrested in 2022 for the offence, with over 3,300 arrests made in 2021.
Analysis by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) shows that cannabis and cocaine remain the most detected drugs in drivers on Irish roads.
In 2021, 57% of specimens tested for drugs contained cannabis, 31% contained cocaine and 14% were found to have benzodiazepines.
"We have had an appalling start to the year on our roads with 50 lives lost," said Sam Waide, Chief Executive at Road Safety Authority.
"An average of 15 people have been killed each month on the road to date this year.
"If we continue on this path, we could end up losing 180 lives this year.
"Ireland in in danger of having the highest number of road fatalities in a decade.
"If we all act now and improve our behaviour on the road, collectively we can avoid this preventable loss of life.”
"There is a focus on drug driving over the Easter Bank Holiday.
"Driving under the influence of drugs can seriously affect a driver’s motor skills, and ability to control a motor vehicle on the road.
"If you are detected drug driving you will face a court appearance and if found guilty, a minimum driving disqualification of one year.
"Ask yourself; is it worth the risk? Losing your licence and possibly your job.”
"This Easter Bank Holiday weekend, members of An Garda Síochána will focus on the detection of key lifesaver offences which include speeding, drink/drug driving, non-wearing of seat-belts and using a mobile phone while driving," said Paula Hilman, Assistant Commissioner at Roads Policing and Community Engagement,An Garda Síochána.
"Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) checkpoints will be undertaken throughout the country.
"Don’t ever drive under the influence of an intoxicant. If you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs you risk losing your licence.
"Our priority is to keep people safe, so I would ask you to please make responsible decisions this holiday period and don’t ever drive under the influence of an intoxicant.”
The RSA and participating Applegreen service stations will be providing drivers with free cups of coffee to combat driver fatigue.
The offer is available from 2pm to 8pm on Friday 15 and on Monday 18 April.
