Drivers across the country are being reminded of the possibly fatal results of drink driving in the National Safety Council's bank holiday 'Arrive Alive' campaign.
Aimed principally at the 18 to 35 age group, the campaign will focus on "the absolute necessity of not drinking and driving."
Backed by the Licensed Vintners Association, the Vintners Federation of Ireland, and the Irish Insurance Federation, the campaign aims to reduce the number of deaths over the October bank holiday from last year's high of six fatalities.
According to the NSC, around 230 drivers are arrested each week on suspicion of drink driving".
In conjunction with the "Arrive Alive" campaign, the Garda will commence "Operation Taisteal" at midnight tomorrow until midnight on Monday next. The key focus of this operation is the detection of driving while intoxicated, drivers speeding, and the non-wearing of seatbelts.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Superintendent Denis Fitzpatrick warned that "people who persist in committing these offences will be caught, will be fined, will receive penalty points and where appropriate may lose their licence".
Alcohol is estimated to be associated with at least 30 per cent of all road crashes and 40 per cent of all fatal crashes.