RSA conference highlights dangers of drink driving
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is hosting its annual International Road Safety Conference today (June 11) in Dublin.
The conference brings together national and international experts to examine the challenge of driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.
It will also explore the latest research, behavioural insights, technological innovations, and international best practices to better understand and address the issue.
The RSA has launched a new TV ad campaign, which challenges the social acceptability of drink-driving.
The ad appeals directly to the public to protect their friends, and other road users, by ensuring that their friends do not drink and drive.
According to the latest international e-survey on road users' attitudes (ESRA) in 2023, 9% of drivers in Ireland admitted to driving within one hour of taking drugs, other than prescribed or over the counter medication, at least once in the previous 30 days.
The RSA said that this is higher than the EU average of 7%.
RSA
In the survey, 10% of Irish drivers admitted to drink driving in the previous 30 days. The EU average, is 15% of drivers.
The RSA said that while drink-driving reports are lower in Ireland than in the EU, alcohol continues to play a 'devastating' role in crashes.
Analysis carried out by the RSA of coronial data of driver fatalities between 2016 and 2020 revealed that 35% of drivers with toxicology results available tested positive for alcohol.
According to the RSA, that figure jumps to 70% for driver fatalities that occurred between 10:00p.m and 6:00a.m.
The chief executive of the RSA, Sam Waide said: 'Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs means slower reaction times, reduced alertness, impaired judgment, and poor vision, which drastically increases the risk of serious collisions.
'We at the RSA are committed to educating and informing drivers of the risks, so that motorists can make informed decisions.'
'Everyone has a role to play when it comes to road safety, and I urge everyone to do better so we can reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on Irish roads,' Waide added.
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