Motorists warned against drink driving

Drivers have been warned they are likely to be caught if they get behind the wheel after drinking over Christmas.

Road Safety Authority (RSA) Chairman Gay Byrne said a small minority continued to drink and drive.

But he warned: "Garda Síochána are conducting over 30,000 breath tests each month. So it's not a question of if you will get caught drink driving. It's a question of when .And, when that happens, you will lose your licence."

At total of 376 people were arrested for drink driving last week and 383 the week before. Random breath testing was introduced in law in August. Before that gardaí had to form the opinion that a driver was drunk before testing.

So far this year, 360 people have died on the State's roads, a decrease of 27 on last year. A total of 23 people have been killed on the roads so far in December. In December 2005, 40 people died on the roads.

Drivers were also warned that they may still be unsafe the morning after consuming a large amount of alcohol. It can take 13 hours for alcohol to leave a person's system.

The RSA said motorists should also drive at a safe speed, used dipped headlights during dark wintry days and watch out for revellers on the roads over the festive season.

Pedestrians and cyclists should wear bright clothing or reflective material.