Shocking Drink-Drive Statistics Prompt Urgent Bank Holiday Safety Warning

New figures reveal a deadly pattern as authorities launch major safety push ahead of June Bank Holiday weekend, with free coffee initiative to combat driver fatigue.

Alarming new analysis has revealed that over one third of driver fatalities between 2016 and 2020 involved alcohol, prompting urgent warnings from the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána, and government ministers ahead of this weekend's Bank Holiday.

The statistics paint a particularly stark picture during off-peak hours, with a staggering 70% of driver deaths between 10pm and 5:59am showing positive alcohol toxicology results, compared to just 21% during peak times. For Cork residents planning weekend trips to Dublin's Bloom festival or Kerry's BikeFest, the message couldn't be clearer.

Minister of State Séan Canney said:

"These figures are deeply concerning. They show a consistent pattern of people taking deadly risks by driving under the influence, especially at night. My message this weekend is simple – never, ever drink and drive. It's not worth the risk to your life or anyone else's. I urge everyone to act responsibly and make safe choices on our roads."

Sarah O'Connor, Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at the RSA, emphasised the need for targeted action:

"These statistics highlight the importance of targeted enforcement during off-peak hours to detect and remove intoxicated drivers from our roads. Combining this with education and awareness initiatives that focus on the dangers of drink-driving – especially late at night – is critical to saving lives."

Chief Superintendent David Harrington of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau warned that enforcement remains a priority:

"Some people may take the risk of driving under influence because they believe they won't encounter Gardaí on the road to detect them, but the reality is that we are on the roads conducting checkpoints and are called to the scene of every one of the fatal or serious injury collisions caused by a driver that has been drinking."

The warning coincides with a new RSA television campaign launching on 11 June, which addresses the social acceptability of drink-driving and encourages people to intervene when friends attempt to drive after drinking.

With summer typically bringing increased cyclist and motorcyclist casualties, authorities are also urging extra vigilance around vulnerable road users. Large crowds expected at events including Bloom in Phoenix Park and BikeFest in Killarney will create additional challenges for weekend travellers.

To combat driver fatigue, the RSA has partnered with Applegreen to offer free coffee at participating service stations from 2pm to 8pm on Friday, 30 May and Monday, 2 June. Drivers need only mention "RSA" at the till to avail of the offer.