Road deaths are up by over 13% year-on-year with 157 people being killed in collisions in 2022.
Gardai yesterday said this grim figure is 19 more fatalities compared to the 138 last year.
There were 146 road deaths in 2020, and 140 in 2019, Garda statistics show.
Read More : Paracetamol shortage in Ireland as cases of Covid and winter flu soar
The ongoing Christmas and New Year road safety campaign has in the seven days from December 22 to 28 seen 173 drivers arrested for suspicion of drinking or taking drugs, while 29 seatbelt and 3,060 speeding offences were recorded.
Garda National Roads Policing Bureau Insp Ross O’Doherty said: “Behind these stats are real lives, real people and real threat to their lives and the lives of other road users.”
The Garda figures show that the riskiest time for a collision during the Christmas and New Year period is between noon and 9pm.
A spokesman said: “Data compiled over the past 12 years indicates that [this is] the highest risk time for fatal or serious road traffic collisions. Over half (55%) of incidents occur within this time frame. More specifically, 21% occurred during 3pm to 6pm.
Gardai have carried out over 5,500 checkpoints in December, making 600 arrests for driving under the influence; 186 seatbelt offences were identified; 11,647 speeding offences were detected; there were 724 alleged uses of a mobile phone while driving; and 4,124 collisions recorded. Garda Insp O’Doherty said: “It is stark to see these statistics, knowing the potential that each of these offences had to cause accident or injury.
“This is the reality of the behaviour of some drivers.
“As plenty of families and friends get set to celebrate the New Year, we are reminding those that may be intending to have a drink to make alternative arrangements to get home and to avoid driving the following morning also.
“The importance of this is shown in the fact that between December 1 and yesterday, some 76 people were arrested on suspicion of intoxicated driving between the hours of 6am and 2pm.
“Not everyone might realise the real dangers of driving the morning after, but intoxicated driving at any hour of the day or night carries a high risk.
“It is a risk to the health and safety of you and other road users – but also of losing your licence and being put off the road which carries a penalty.”
READ NEXT :
Grieving family of murder victim reveal torment of keeping killer behind bars
Irishman proposes to girlfriend on Kilimanjaro 'with no plan B if she said no'
Celebrities attend wedding of Shay Given's sister and Dublin publican in Clare
UK crime agency declares caging of Kinahan lieutenant a major 2022 success
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
