DRINK AND DRUG DRIVING ON THE INCREASE IN FERMOY DISTRICT
Figures for drink and drug driving incidents are up this year, while figures for traffic accidents are down, writes Antonia Zane.
New figures released by An Garda Siochana for the Fermoy district show a worrying trend when it comes to drink and drug driving.
There has been a 6% increase, from 94 arrests to 100 for the first 10 months as opposed to the same period last year. The upward trend applies to drug driving arrests as well, with numbers going up from three last year to ten this year.
On the other hand, on a positive note, the material traffic accidents, those with damage to the cars only, have gone down significantly from 306 in 2008 to 233 this year, a 23% decrease. Also the number of fatal accidents in Fermoy district has gone down from four last year to two in 2009.
With Christmas just around the corner and festive parties likely to be on everyone’s mind, gardai warn that there should be no driving if you intend to drink.
A spokesperson advised, “Always plan ahead for a taxi and a friend or family member who could drive you home. And, keep in mind the three issues that the traffic corps is strongly committed to: drink driving, speeding and the wearing of seat belts.
Published:
Thursday 3rd December 5:59pm
