40% of fatal crashes alcohol related, figures show

Four out of 10 deaths on the state's roads are alcohol-related, according to new research released by the National Safety Council (NSC) this morning.

The research was presented at the launch of the NSC's annual Christmas anti-drink driving campaign.

The study by Dr Declan Bedford of the North Eastern Health Board found that 22, or 40 per cent, of the 55 people killed in road traffic accidents, in Cavan, Monaghan and Louth during 2001 and 2002, had alcohol in their blood samples.

All drivers detected with alcohol were male. Mr Eddie Shaw, NSC chairman, said the disturbing report proved the country had a chronic problem with anti-social behaviour - much of it alcohol-fuelled.

This claim was backed up by Dr Bedford who illustrated that Ireland was third in Europe in alcohol consumption per capita, and crucially, over 50 per cent of men's drinking sessions turn into binge drinking sessions.

Dr Bedford also highlighted the fact that of the 10 pedestrians killed, seven were male and four had blood alcohol concentrations of between 72 and 325, leaving them with a higher average than the passengers or the drivers killed.

Concerns were also expressed at the alarming drop in persons convicted of drink driving.  In 2001 6,790 people were convicted, while last year a mere 3,060 were found guilty, despite more than 13,000 arrests.

However, Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Siochana, Mr Tony Hickey, insists that law enforcement measures have worked and that ultimately personal responsibility is at the heart of the matter.

"Since the commencement of Operation Lifesaver in 1998, the rate of seat belt wearing has increased from 55 per cent in 1999 to 85 per cent last year," said Mr Hickey.  "The Gardai are continuing to arrest over 250 drivers for driving while intoxicated each week.

From midnight on Sunday an increased Garda presence will be on the road until early January, according to Mr Hickey. This week's announcement of plans for an additional 2,000 gardai and a new traffic corps, fully operational by 2008, were welcomed by all present and hailed as a "pivotal" development in the fight to make the roads safer.

The Minister for Transport, Mr Cullen, also complemented the influence young people are having on the moves to change attitudes.

"There is no excuse for anyone who persists in driving whole under the influence of alcohol.  Young people on the whole have adopted a very responsible and mature attitude on the issue," said Mr Cullen.  All generations can learn from this approach."

However, Dr Bedford's research shows that the vast majority of those killed were between the ages of 20 and 29, while females between the ages of 10 and 19 were also particularly vulnerable.

Revellers were also warned that taking to the roads the morning after could be just as dangerous, with blood alcohol levels over the limit.