Gardai warn of extra checkpoints over holiday weekend

A ROAD safety message has been issued by An Garda Siochana ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend urging motorists to arrange alternative transport home from social events.
The Park It, Lock It, Leave It campaign is encouraging people to put some thought into how they will travel home if they plan on socialising, with the advice being to leave their vehicles safely parked and secured, to be collected the following day.
Extra checkpoints will be conducted throughout the county over the coming days to detect motorists driving under the influence of both alcohol and drugs.
“The safest thing to do if you’re heading out for the night is to plan your journey home by organising a lift, a taxi or using public transport. If you use your own transport to travel to a venue, park it, lock it and leave it,” said Superintendent Noel Kelly, Western Region Roads Policing.
“Collect your vehicle the following day when safe and alcohol free to do so. I would also encourage people to look out for each other – if your friend or relative is under the influence of alcohol, make sure they get home safely.

“Over the coming days, Gardaí will be out and about targeting drink drivers on local roads. We will be operating checkpoints all around the Western Region, where we will be carrying out breath tests so people should be prepared to provide a sample if stopped. Patrols will be carried out in both marked and unmarked vehicles and we would like to remind drivers that in addition to mandatory breath testing for alcohol, there will also be breath-testing for the presence of illegal drugs.”
The Bank Holiday campaign also reminds motorists to be conscious of the extra traffic volumes on roads at this time of year.
“An Garda Síochána want people to be safe and enjoy the holiday weekend, which is why we are asking all road users to take extra care when using the roads,” added Supt Kelly.

“There will be an increase in traffic as many will set out to visit family and friends, travelling to different parts of the country, which will involve driving long distances. We appeal to all motorists to slow down, always wear their seatbelts, don’t use mobile phones while driving, be well rested and never ever drink and drive.”
Supt Kelly said the need for motorists to slow down was a constant issue for the Gardaí and reminded people to adhere to speed limits at all times.