According to figures released by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Siochana, a total of 59 people have lost their lives or have been fatally injured since 2012 due to Easter Bank Holiday crashes.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is the focal point of the RSA and An Garda Siochana’s road safety message for the Easter Bank Holiday 2018.

To coincide with this, An Garda Síochána is mounting Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) checkpoints nationwide, which will see drivers tested for the presence of alcohol and drugs.

For its part the RSA will be broadcasting a number of public service messages to highlight the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence of drink and drugs.

Speaking at the launch of the Easter Bank Holiday campaign appeal Ms Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of the RSA appealed for road users to enjoy the weekend but not to leave road safety at the front door.

“Nobody ever thinks that something bad like being in a crash will ever happen to them, but it can. 59 people over Easter Bank Holiday weekends since 2012 didn’t arrive home or suffered serious injury. We don’t want anyone to suffer this fate,” said Ms Murdock.

Chief Superintendent Finbarr Murphy of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said in addition to MIT checkpoints nationwide, Gardai will also be watching out for erratic behaviour of drivers in order to identify those who may be driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

“But drivers should be aware that as the Easter Bank Holiday weekend is a high risk period, we will also be targeting other killer behaviours such as speeding, mobile phone use and non-wearing of seatbelts,” said Mr Murphy.

A total of 38 people have been killed on Irish roads to date in 2018. This represents a decline of eight deaths compared to the same date last year.