Breathalysing equipment which gives an instant reading of motorists' alcohol levels may be introduced in the State later this year, according to the Garda. Random breath testing which would increase the number of samples taken is also being considered.
Breathalysing equipment now in use in the Republic indicates the presence of alcohol in the system but blood and urine samples are needed to confirm whether motorists are over the legal limit.
Gardai want to introduce evidential breath testing which would give instant readings of alcohol content, according to Chief Supt John O'Brien, of the Traffic Policy Bureau.
Random breath testing would also rapidly increase the number of drivers tested. At present, gardai usually ask drivers to take a breath test where alcohol is detected on their breath or they have been observed driving dangerously or erratically.
Under random testing, however, any driver could be stopped and requested to take a breath test.
In just one night during a drink driving crackdown in the Netherlands, 54,000 drivers were breath tested, of whom 2 per cent were over the limit.
Meanwhile, speed cameras are soon to be introduced in Cos Louth and Meath where Operation Lifesaver was brought in last September. Research conducted into their effectiveness in other countries suggests that they would be a useful addition on Irish roads.
"Fixed speed cameras are widely used in countries which have better road safety records than we have. They ensure that the speed limit is enforced in an automated way, instead of by a single hit. The net effect is they detect hundreds of infringements in a very short period of time," said Chief Supt O'Brien.
"Most countries using them make interesting claims in relation to their efficiency. The bottom line is how much they reduce road deaths and it is believed that over a four to five-year period they would be responsible for a 20 to 30 per cent reduction in road fatalities."
The Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, has agreed to provide funding for a fixed speed camera project in Cos Louth and Meath.