Gardaí warn of Christmas checkpoints crackdown

Galway Gardai have asked motorist to abide by ‘The Six Commandments’ this Christmas . . . and in the process take a giant step towards avoiding road deaths over the holiday period.

Booze, speed, seat-belts, distractions, careless behaviour and proper lighting need to be ticked-off by motorists as everyone gears up for the Christmas and New Year season.

So far this year, nine people have lost their lives on Galway roads while the fatality figure for Mayo in 2015 stands at 12 – Gardai have appealed for this figure not to increase over the coming weeks.

Between now and January 6 next, over 60 checkpoints a day will be carried out across the Western Garda Division of Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Clare and Longford.

Gardai have also ‘put it on the line’ to ‘morning after’ drivers who chance going behind the wheel with alcohol still in their system from the night before.

“This year, there is a morning element to a percentage of those checkpoints focusing on drink driving. Also as part of the campaign, large urban towns will be given special attention on weekend nights,” said Supt. Noel Kelly, Western Regional Traffic Superintendent.

According to drinkaware.ie, on average, it takes one hour for the body to rid itself of one unit of alcohol i.e. a half pint of beer, a small glass of wine or a standards spirits measure.

“No amount of black coffee or cold showers or even a ‘Full Irish’ [breakfast] can speed up your body’s ability to eliminate alcohol,” drinkaware.ie state.

The blood alcohol limit is now just 50mgs. of alcohol per 100mls. of blood or 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100mls. of breath [intoxalyser] or 67mgs. of alcohol per 100mls. of urine.

For professional or learner drivers the figures are reduced even further – 20mgs. of alcohol per 100mls. of blood; 9mgs. of alcohol per 100mls. of breath and 27mgs. of alcohol per 100mls. of urine.

“So, it has never been more important for drivers to ‘aim for zero’ the morning after. Even if you haven’t had a drink since last night, you may still be unfit to drive,” state drinkaware.ie .

Gardai, along with the Road Safety Authority (RSA), are also involved in a strong campaign this year to tackle the problem of fatigue driving – often common in the run-up to Bank Holiday weekends or the Christmas holiday period.

“It is estimated that driver fatigue has been a contributory factor in as many as one in five driver deaths each year in Ireland. Such collisions usually end up having a direct input on drivers, passengers, other road users and pedestrians,” said Supt. Noel Kelly.

The RSA have asked drivers to factor in breaks into their journeys, especially if travelling with children.

“Ensure that you are rested before commencing a journey and if feeling tired, pull over, take a 15-20 minute nap followed up by a cup of coffee and some fresh air.

“Remember, don’t try and fight sleep at the wheel. Turning up the radio or opening the window will not cure tiredness. The only cure is rest and sleep,” the RSA advise.

The Gardai have also made a plea to motorists to get out of the habit of going near their mobile phones while driving, but so far the practice shows no sign of abating – in December 2014, Gardai ‘pulled over’ 237 motorists for using their mobiles while at the wheel.

Gardai have urged all other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, to as ‘a matter of course’ wear high-vis vests or jackets as well as being properly ‘lit up’.

“We wish all road users a safe and Happy Christmas and New Year. We ask everyone to remember to ensure any action they might take while using the roads does not result in the loss of a life or serious injury to anyone.

“The message for this holiday period is to drive with caution, slow down, don’t drink and drive and always wear your seatbelt,” said Supt. Noel Kelly.