During their road safety enforcement for the St Patrick’s holiday on Saturday, Gardaí arrested a suspected drunk driver at a checkpoint. This mandatory sobriety checkpoint in Manorcunningham, Co Donegal was part of a national campaign to reinforce the importance of road safety, especially given the influx of traffic anticipated over the bank holiday.
The enforcement effort aims to tackle major hazards including driving under the influence, speeding, non-usage of seat belts, and use of mobile phones whilst driving. The arrested individual was pulled over during a roadside check, leaving officers startled as they seemed to have exceeded the alcohol limit for driving. Subsequently, the suspect was taken to the Letterkenny Garda station for further processing.
Inspector Seamus McGonigle, head of Donegal Traffic Corps, confirmed the arrest, remarking it demonstrates the constant risks on the roads and the need for continuous vigilance by all drivers. McGonigle added that increased sobriety checkpoints are to be expected across the nation over the holiday period. Notably, drivers pulled over in these spots can be tested, irrespective of whether officers suspect they are over the drug or alcohol limit.
Additionally, the use of phones and other distracting devices would be monitored closely by the Gardaí. This checkpoint exercise follows a fatal incident, where a pedestrian was hit by a lorry in Letterkenny, marking the 43rd road fatality so far this year. This figure signifies an increase in road deaths compared to the same timeframe last year, which had already marked a nine-year peak with 39 reported deaths.