A new road safety campaign aimed at tackling drink driving has been launched by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) following the release of figures highlighting the continued impact of alcohol-related collisions on Irish roads.
New RSA research shows that alcohol played a role in crashes that resulted in 38 deaths and 264 serious injuries between 2021 and 2025. The findings also revealed that 384 drivers involved in fatal or serious injury collisions tested positive for alcohol during the period, accounting for seven per cent of all drivers tested.
Of those who tested positive, 169 drivers suffered serious injuries in the crashes themselves.
The research identified clear trends among drink-driving incidents, with those involved more likely to be male, younger drivers and travelling during late-night and early-morning hours, particularly at weekends.
In response to the findings, the RSA has launched a nationwide summer awareness campaign that will bring road safety messaging to some of Ireland's largest festivals, sporting fixtures and cultural events.
A key feature of the initiative is the introduction of the FlineBox, an interactive breathalyser that allows members of the public to voluntarily check their breath alcohol levels using technology developed by Dräger. The device also provides guidance on when a person may be safe to drive.
The campaign began this week at a concert by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds at Malahide Castle and will continue throughout the summer at major events including Marlay Park concerts, the Galway Races, the Dublin Horse Show, Kaleidoscope Festival, All Together Now, Electric Picnic and the National Ploughing Championships.
RSA Director Michael Rowland said the campaign aims to encourage people to plan ahead before consuming alcohol.
“If you're drinking, don't drive. Plan your journey home in advance and put safety first,” he said.
The RSA is reminding motorists that drink driving remains a serious offence, carrying penalties that can include driving disqualifications, fines of up to €5,000 and prison sentences of up to six months.
The authority hopes the campaign will encourage safer choices during the busy summer events season and help reduce the number of alcohol-related collisions on Irish roads.
