Crackdown on Drunken Drivers Intensified this Christmas

Wednesday December 18th, 2001

By Tony Murphy


Gardai have today warned that the campaign to rid the roads of drunken drivers has been intensified this Christmas with an average of eight to ten checkpoints set up in each district.

`With road deaths rising, we intend to do everything in our power to reduce the possibility of lives being lost over irresponsible motorists who still feel it is alright to sit behind the wheel while drunk. However, the huge number of checkpoints will close the net on these people', a garda spokesman told Wicklowtoday.com.

Garda On Patrol

He added that resources are being used to a maximum and with checkpoints at different times there will be no `safe period' for a drunken motorists to drive after he or she has consumed alcohol.

`We do not want to spoil the Christmas spirit on anyone but there are taxis available in every town while the suggestion that drinkers bring with them a designated driver is stronger than ever this year. There is really no reason or excuse for anyone getting behind the wheel while intoxicated', the spokesman said.

He added that if people think deeply enough about the situation they will find that drunken drivers are only placing more stress on themselves with the thought that they may be caught so why put themselves through this.