GARDAÍ ARE to operate a number of additional checkpoints over the Easter bank holiday weekend in an effort to increase road safety.
An extensive checkpoint operation is also to be put in place at strategic locations in Dublin from Thursday to Monday.
All checkpoints will operate mandatory alcohol testing in addition to enforcing all other aspects of road traffic legislation, gardaí said. There will also be 16 “super checkpoints” manned by extra gardaí to allow larger numbers of motorists to be processed.
The move follows a significant rise in the number of people arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving during the period last year.
A total of 69 people were arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs during Easter last year, a 41 per cent increase on the previous year.
There has been only one fatality on the roads in the greater Dublin area so far this year compared with 11 in 2008 and 10 in 2007.
Gardaí said the reduction in fatalities was the result of “a significant change in driver behaviour”.
Excessive speed, drink driving and non-wearing of seat belts continue to remain the key contributory factors to death and serious injury on Irish roads, a Garda spokesman said.
“This weekend’s operation is aimed at tackling all of these activities in an endeavour to encourage a positive change in driver attitude and behaviour,” he added.
Gardaí also advised motorists that in addition to the extra checkpoints, other Garda enforcement activities will be undertaken throughout the country over the weekend.
Meanwhile, an Easter weekend road safety campaign, backed by the Garda, the Road Safety Authority and Topaz service stations, is to be launched in Dublin today. The initiative will encourage motorists to take frequent breaks to combat driver fatigue, which plays a role in some 20 per cent of fatal crashes on Irish roads.
The Road Safety Authority said “driving while fatigued is just as dangerous as drink driving” and that tactics such as turning up the the radio volume and opening the window are not effective.
As its contribution to the initiative, Topaz is to provide free cups of tea and coffee to motorists who visit its service stations on Friday.