Road safety bosses have warned there is a “real problem” with young males drinking and driving, as figures show alcohol was involved in almost four out of 10 fatal collisions.
Transport Minister Shane Ross described the figures as “pretty shocking”, saying there was “little doubt” the figure had gone up further since the analysis.
A detailed report by the Road Safety Authority, examining fatal collisions between 2008 and 2012, found alcohol was a “contributory factor” in 38% of cases involving drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Drivers of cars and motorcycles were involved in 29% of all cases, and three out of four of these were aged between 16 and 34.
RSA chief executive Moyagh Murdock said the perception that young people don’t drink and drive was “blown out of the water” by the findings.
Professor Denis Cusack, director of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, said there was a “real problem” with young male drivers at night.
The report, Fatal Collisions 2008-2012: Alcohol as a Factor, examined 867 of the 983 fatal collisions on roads during the period 2008 to 2012. Of the 867 cases, alcohol was cited as a contributory factor in 330.
Of the 330 fatal collisions: 217 involved drivers (66%); 76 involved pedestrians (23%); 28 involved motorcyclists; five involved both drivers and pedestrians; and four involved cyclists.
Source: Cormac O'Keeffe, Irish Examiner, 02/06/16
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