The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the official road safety partner for some of Ireland’s biggest concerts, festivals and sporting events this summer, to help bring vital road safety messages directly to hundreds of thousands of people across the country.
The campaign will see the RSA attend major music, sporting and cultural events throughout the summer months, with a particular focus on raising awareness of the dangers and consequences of drink driving.
A key feature of the RSA’s presence at each event will be interactive breathalysers. The devices allow people to voluntarily test their breath alcohol level and receive an indication of whether they are above or below the legal limit, along with guidance on when it is safe to drive.
New RSA research highlights the continuing role of alcohol in serious and fatal collisions on Irish roads. Analysis of surviving drivers involved in fatal and serious injury collisions between 2021 and 2025 found that 384 drivers tested positive for alcohol. These 384 drivers represented seven per cent of all drivers’ tests.
The research also found that drivers who tested positive for alcohol were more likely to be male, younger and involved in collisions late at night, in the early hours of the morning and at weekends.
“Summer is a time when people come together to enjoy concerts, festivals and sporting events with family and friends,” said Michael Rowland, Director of Research, Standards and Assurance at the RSA.
“We want everyone to enjoy themselves – but most importantly, we want them to get home safely.
She added: “The reality is that drink driving can have devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities. Our message is clear: if you’re drinking, don’t drive. Plan your journey home in advance and put safety first.”
