An Garda Síochána Share Powerful Drink-Driving Warning Ahead of Christmas

An Garda Síochána has released a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drink-driving, featuring survivor Mary Bermingham's account of a collision that changed her family's life forever.

The video, shared by gardaí on 16th December 2025, forms part of their Christmas road safety campaign urging drivers to make responsible choices during the festive period.

Mary Bermingham recounted the December 2016 collision that occurred while she and her children were travelling to a Christmas event to see Santa. Their vehicle was hit head-on by a driver who was over the legal alcohol limit and had drugs in his system.

Mary Bermingham, collision survivor:

 "The three of them were killed instantly, and we were left with catastrophic injuries: broken necks, broken backs, broken legs."

The family was airlifted to hospital and spent months in intensive care recovering from their injuries. Mary described how what should have been a joyful Christmas memory became a fight for survival.

Mary Bermingham:

"Instead of having a great memory and a fun time, we were airlifted to hospital and spent months in intensive care and with different injuries and just absolutely almost died. But we survived."

She spoke of the lasting trauma the collision has inflicted on her family, expressing hope that sharing her experience might prevent others from suffering similar consequences.

Mary Bermingham:

"I don't want any family ever to experience what we've experienced and what we have to live with forever. And the trauma that it's left us, it's just unbelievable to live with."

Inspector Fergal O'Donovan from Cork Roads Policing Unit emphasised that enforcement alone cannot prevent road deaths, stressing that individual choices make the difference.

Inspector Fergal O'Donovan, Cork Roads Policing Unit:

"The message this morning I want to get across to people is to get home safely for Christmas, this year. And enforcement alone by An Garda Síochána won't save lives. But your individual choice will."

Mary reflected on how she never expected such a tragedy to affect her own family, recalling how they left home in Christmas jumpers for what should have been a simple trip, only to spend months in hospital.

Mary Bermingham:

"I think people don't think it'll happen to them, and I was one of those that said 'that's other people.' And it happened to me on a random Sunday, all wearing Christmas jumpers."

Inspector O'Donovan urged drivers to follow basic safety measures during the Christmas period, including adhering to speed limits, wearing safety belts, avoiding mobile phones whilst driving, and never driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.

Mary issued a direct warning to anyone considering driving after drinking.

Mary Bermingham:

"If you get into that car when you're after a drink, you're just, you're playing Russian roulette with a loaded gun. It's just it's not worth destroying your life and other people's lives for that. It's just not."

The video concludes with footage of a Garda vehicle displaying the message: "Never drink and drive."