The people of Mayo are not getting the message when it comes to drink driving, according to local gardaí. Detections for drink driving have increased dramatically this week leaving gardaí to ponder are their messages and warnings falling on deaf ears.
Over the last week, from Friday December 15 to Thursday December 18, 20 drink drivers were arrested by the Garda Traffic Corps who are out in force.
The offences occurred in Enniscrone, Belmullet, Partry, Newport, Ballyhaunis, Ballinrobe, Swinford, Ballina, Westport, Foxford and Bangor Erris. Interestingly, Castlebar people seem to be leaving their cars at home when enjoying a few drinks.
Gardaí have warned that the Traffic Corps in Mayo is a 32-strong unit, increased from 12 over the past few years, and if you drink and drive this Christmas they will catch you.
The emphasis this festive season, and throughout the year, is detecting drink drivers as well as those guilty of other road traffic offences.
A garda spokesperson has outlined the dangers of drink driving, not only to the accused person, but also to innocent people who are losing their lives on Irish roads through no fault of their own. “Not only will drink drivers lose their licences, there is a danger that they, or someone else, will lose their lives,” the garda warned.
