New research from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has revealed drivers in Ireland who tested positive for alcohol were more likely to be male, younger, and involved in collisions late at night and in the early hours of the morning, particularly weekends.
Already 69 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions in Ireland. Last year saw the highest number of deaths on Irish roads in a decade and this year’s figures are already higher compared to the same time last year.
The research highlights the continuing role of alcohol in serious and fatal collisions on Irish roads. Between 2021 and 2025, alcohol played a part in crashes that killed 38 people with a further 264 road users seriously injured.
Of surviving drivers who tested positive for alcohol following a fatal or serious injury collision:
- 84% were male
- 57% were aged between 16 and 35 years
- 54% were involved in collisions between 8pm and 4am
- 51% were involved in collisions on Saturdays and Sundays
“Alcohol impairs judgement, reaction time and decision-making, even on short journeys,” said Anne Graham, Chairperson, Road Safety Authority.
“You may also still be over the limit the morning after.
“I’m appealing to young male drivers in particular to never drink and drive. Do not take a risk that could change your life or someone else’s forever.”
Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) launched a crackdown on drink drivers over the recent June bank holiday weekend.
