The annual Christmas Road Safety campaign is now underway, and will primarily focus on the detection of drivers under the influence of drink or drugs.

Despite traffic volumes having dropped by up to 70% at times this year, due to Covid-19 restrictions, there was an increase of 133% in the number of drivers caught under the influence of drugs.

As speed is another major contributor to road collisions, Gardai are urging the public to drive within the speed limit.

Gardai will conduct National Slow Down Days this Friday and Saturday, 11th and 12th December, to catch speeding drivers - with detections for speed up 26% this year despite reduced traffic on roads.