GARDAÍ HAVE warned they intend to increase the number of anti-drink-driving checkpoints over the bank holiday weekend.
Checkpoints are to be particularly concentrated in the Dublin area.
Gardaí have said there will be widespread temporary traffic diversions and changes to bus routes when the Dublin City Marathon, now its 30th year, takes place on Monday.
The majority of the expected 12,750 runners are to start the race at 9am on Fitzwilliam Square, with the field travelling towards O’Connell Street and then via North Circular Road to the Phoenix Park.
The course then crosses back south of the Liffey and competitors will pass through Inchicore, Drimnagh, Crumlin, Milltown, Donnybrook and Ballsbridge, before the race finishes on Merrion Square.
The winners of the men’s and women’s races will receive €15,000 in prize money.
Visitors to the city are being advised to park well away from the city centre and to consult websites of transport companies for route alterations.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has warned motorists travelling around the country this weekend that collisions caused by tiredness are three times more likely to be fatal or result in serious injuries. According to chief executive Noel Brett, if a driver persists in fighting sleep while driving, the impairment level is the same as driving while over the drink-driving limit.
The RSA and fuel station operator Topaz have launched a “reviver campaign” which will provide 20,000 free cups of coffee to drivers at Topaz stations on bank holiday Fridays. According to the RSA, if tired motorists have a cup of coffee followed by a 15-minute nap, they can continue driving for a further hour.
Over the last nine years, 43 people lost their lives on the roads over the October bank holiday weekends, with three people losing their lives last year.
According to Garda Chief Supt Gabriel McIntyre pedestrians accounted for 15 per cent of fatalities; motorcyclists for 13.9 per cent; and cyclists for 3.7 per cent of deaths. The Garda also warned the clocks going back would mean increased night driving.
They asked vulnerable road users to ensure that they can be clearly seen by using high-visibility clothing.