Urgent: Gardaí Launch Christmas Road Safety Campaign Today

UPDATE: An Garda Síochána has launched an urgent Christmas Road Safety Campaign today, December 1, 2025, urging all road users to prioritize safety as the festive season begins. With 166 lives lost on Irish roads this year, authorities are calling for immediate action to prevent further tragedies during this high-traffic period.

The campaign officially commenced at 7:00 AM today and will run until 7:00 AM on January 5, 2026. Every officer of An Garda Síochána will be on active duty, implementing rigorous traffic enforcement operations aimed at deterring drink and drug driving, speeding, and distracted driving behaviors.

According to a recent survey by the Road Safety Authority, a staggering 12% of drivers admitted to driving after consuming alcohol in the past year. The highest risk occurs after drinking at pubs or restaurants, particularly during weekends. Alarmingly, 4% of drivers also confessed to driving under the influence of illicit drugs.

As of now, An Garda Síochána has detected nearly 8,000 drivers this year for alcohol or drug-related offenses, having conducted over 93,000 checkpoints.

Assistant Commissioner Catharina Gunne emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating,

“Members of An Garda Síochána will be out day and night across the country as part of our enforcement campaign. We will intercept drink and drug drivers. If convicted, you will lose your licence. Please don’t be one of them.”

The human toll of reckless driving cannot be overstated. “No Garda wants to be calling to your family’s door this Christmas,” Gunne added.

Minister of State for Road Safety, Sean Canney T.D., echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for personal responsibility behind the wheel. He stated,

“My absolute priority as Minister for Road Safety is to see a reduction in the number of deaths on our roads. My message is simple: be safe this Christmas.”

Canney urged drivers to avoid intoxication, obey speed limits, wear seatbelts, and avoid distractions. “Plan your journey, use alternative transport, and look out for one another. Together, we can prevent tragedy on our roads this Christmas,” he said.

The Road Safety Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Sam Waide, poignantly noted,

“Christmas should be a time of joy, not loss. Our research has shown that over a third of drivers killed between 2016 and 2020 had a positive toxicology for alcohol.”

As the holiday season approaches, the message is clear: if you’re drinking or using drugs, do not drive. The consequences can be devastating, leaving families shattered and communities mourning.

Authorities are urging everyone to take this campaign seriously. Share this message with friends and family to ensure that everyone can celebrate safely this Christmas. The time to act is now—let’s make our roads safer for everyone.