Road deaths down 20 per cent for Christmas and New Year period

The number of people who died on the State’s roads during the Christmas and New Year five week period dropped by almost 20 per cent compared to last year.

Figures released from the Garda Síochána today showed 17 people died, including seven pedestrians, from December 1st-January 4th, 2015. It was down from 21 last year.

The number of people arrested for driving while on suspicion of being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs decreased significantly to 696, down from 805 in 2013.

Assistant Commissioner John Twomey said it was "totally unacceptable" some people continued to drink or take drugs and drive.

“Even on Christmas Day, when families should be enjoying time with their loved ones, 13 people were arrested on suspicion of intoxicated driving, which is two more than Christmas Day 2013,” he said.

“These people put themselves and others at significant risk. They may now face considerable penalties including being banned from driving.”

More than 36,000 people were breath tested over the 35 day Christmas enforcement campaign.

On New Year’s Day this year, 44 people were arrested for drink or drug driving, down one from the same day last year.

The statistics also showed 32 people were seriously injured, 16,435 people were caught speeding, 1,741 mobile phone offences found and 236 dangerous driving incidents.

Mr Twomey said he was disappointed to see an increase, a rise of six to 196, in road deaths for 2014 compared to the previous year.

“In particular, there has been a significant rise in the number of pedestrians who lost their lives in 2014 compared to 2013 (42 v 31),” he said.

“2015 has already started off with a very stark reminder of the danger that is present every minute on the roads, with a tragic fatal collision that took four lives and injured three others. In total, 10 people have lost their lives on our roads so far this year.”

Four young women died after a crash in Athy, Co Kildare on January 6th this year.