Gardaí are warning against drink or drug driving on Go Slow Day today.

Over 500 drivers have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant in the last three weeks.

The force's road safety enforcement for Christmas and the New Year will run until January 4th.

Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries said there have been many arrests for intoxicated driving. 

“From December 1st through the Christmas campaign, there has been one arrest every hour for drink driving and approximately 36% of that is drugs,” she said. 

“So, it’s really important that people get the message, you cannot drive and drive, you cannot use drugs [and drive].” 

Speeding

Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries also urged people to be mindful of their speed. 

“The roads are going to be very busy,” she said. 

“Everybody’s got a place to be, a place to go. 

“Show a bit of consideration and especially be aware of the speed that you’re doing; speed is one of the main contributory factors to all collisions.”

2023 has been a particularly treacherous time for road safety in Ireland with 181 people killed so far this year. 

By contrast, 152 people died on Irish roads in the same period last year.

Main image: A pint of beer is seen at the bar of a pub next to some car keys.