A new campaign by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána is educating drivers of the dangers of early morning driving after spending the evening prior consuming alcohol.
The RSA has created the campaign following the recent publication of stark statistics. An Garda Síochána Forensic Collision Investigation reports revealed that 11% of alcohol-related fatal collisions that took place on Irish roads between 2008 and 2012 occurred between the hours of 7 a.m and 11 a.m.
“Drivers need to be aware that they may not be safe to drive the morning after a night out, as they may still have alcohol in their system. As such, it is critical that drivers take measures to ensure their safety and the safety of others and this means leaving the car at home and making alternative arrangements for the morning after if they need to get somewhere,” said Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross. “The morning after is a danger zone for alcohol-related fatal crashes. It’s just not worth the chance if you are still over the legal limit. This campaign by the RSA is an important reminder to anyone who has been out the night before that they may be unfit to drive because they still have alcohol in their system, and may even be over the drink drive limit the following morning.”
Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive Officer, RSA, added: “Whether you should drive the next morning depends on how much you’ve drunk – and if you’ve left enough time for your system to get rid of the alcohol. Going to bed in the early hours and not getting a good night’s sleep will only magnify the impairing effects of any alcohol in your system.”
The campaign includes two radio advertisements, aimed at making people aware that they may not be fit to drive the morning after a night out. These will be broadcast on all national and regional radio stations over the next three weeks. The campaign is also being supported by outdoor advertising and social media.
