Alcohol plays a part in almost 40% of all road deaths, according to a new report.
The RSA Fatal Collisions Report analysed figures from all fatal collisions between 2008 and 2012.
Follow the conversation on the release of the Fatal Collisions Report 2008-2012 on #PreCrashReport pic.twitter.com/f9gjkctIUp
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Some 983 fatal collisions occurred on Irish roads during that period, claiming the lives of 1,077 people.
The forensic details of 867 fatal collisions were analysed to identify the cause of the collisions – of these, alcohol was a main contributory factor in 330 of those collisions (38%), claiming the lives of 286 people.
A further 69 people were seriously injured.
Drink was also involved in half of pedestrian deaths and 30% of motorcyclist fatalities.
The figures show half of all drivers and motorcyclists involved were more than four times over the legal limit when they crashed.
The report also found that young male drivers who are most likely to drink drive and that 81% of collisions happened in rural areas.
The report was released ahead of another Bank Holiday weekend during which the Road Safety Authority are urging people not to drink drive.
Already this year 74 people have died on Ireland’s roads – an increase of 27% on this time last year.
More than 3,000 people arrested this year already on suspicion of drink driving, and gardaí have warned that they will be out in force this weekend.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, said: “This important report highlights that Ireland continues to have a problem with alcohol and road use.
“The consequences are having a devastating effect in our communities.
“We must continue educating drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and passengers about the very real dangers and consequences of making the bad decision to use the road after consuming alcohol.
“This is particularly important as we approach the high risk bank holiday weekend. For some the temptation may be there but I would urge these people to think carefully about the choices they make.
“We know alcohol promotes risky and potentially life-threatening behaviour – not just among drivers, but among all road users.”
