The Road Safety Authority (RSA) of Ireland has launched a significant new TV-led campaign addressing the persistent issue of drink-driving. Officially unveiled by Minister Seán Canney, the campaign directly challenges societal attitudes towards intoxicated driving, urging individuals to take personal responsibility to ensure friends and family do not drink and drive. This public appeal underscores the community’s critical role in reducing road accidents linked to alcohol.
The RSA’s campaign launch coincides with its Annual International Road Safety Conference held in Dublin. Gathering both national and international road safety experts, the event aims to tackle the ongoing challenge of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Current statistics highlight the urgency of this issue: alcohol remains involved in approximately 25% of road fatalities across Europe. In Ireland, RSA analysis from 2016 to 2020 shows 35% of driver fatalities tested positive for alcohol, with this figure spiking to 70% during late-night and early-morning hours.
According to recent data from the international E-Survey of Road Users’ Attitudes (ESRA, 2023), about 9% of drivers in Ireland admitted to driving shortly after drug use—exceeding the EU average of 7%. Although self-reported drink-driving rates in Ireland (10%) are lower than the EU average (15%), the devastating impact of alcohol in road collisions remains substantial. This data underscores the necessity of RSA’s ongoing awareness and prevention efforts.
RSA Chief Executive Sam Waide emphasized the dangers of driving under the influence, noting how intoxication severely impairs reaction times, judgment, alertness, and vision, significantly increasing the risk of severe collisions. The campaign, alongside RSA’s broader educational initiatives, aims to inform motorists thoroughly, thereby fostering safer driving habits and ultimately reducing road fatalities and injuries in Ireland.
Find more from RSA (Ireland, June 2025)
Alcohol Awareness 