87% of Irish population agree that alcohol impairs the ability to drive, research found

Research found that 86% of the public agree that any amount of alcohol impairs the ability to drive. 

With over 229,000 people using the Drinkaware Drinks Calculator this year alone, Irish people want to do the right thing and reduce their risk of drink driving. 

The Drinkaware Drinks Calculator allows anyone to input the amount and types of drinks they have consumed and receive an estimated time of how long it will take the body to process the alcohol. 

Drinkaware  spokesperson said: “Sadly, during the Christmas period, we see a rise in drink driving.  

“As the national, independent charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse, Drinkaware is therefore urging the public to get the facts about drink driving and if they see someone attempting to or drink driving, don’t be a bystander, step in and help keep Irish roads safe this Christmas.” 

In December 2022, 596 people were found to be driving while intoxicated. Drink driving can cause injuries and fatalities. 

In 2023, data show that 176 lives were lost on Irish roads. 

To assist the government’s Road Safety Strategy to reduce deaths and serious injuries by 50% over the next decade, Drinkaware are urging the public to get the facts about alcohol when celebrating this Christmas and never drink and drive.  

It takes at least one hour to process one standard drink. Alcohol levels continue to rise for hours after consuming the drink of choice and the processing time starts from when the last drink is finished. 

Drinkaware Director of Communications Chris Ó Lorcáin, commented: “With our Drinks Calculator and the Drink Driving in Ireland page continuously in the top three most visited pages on the Drinkaware website, we can see that people want to know the facts and to keep their families and communities safe. 

“The tragic loss of life on Irish roads this year is a trend we can all help to break by acting on the factual information provided, and following the RSA and An Garda Síochána’s advice.  

“This Christmas, Drinkaware invites everyone to avail of our free resources, such as our Drinks Calculator and our drink driving webpage for more information. Let’s make the festive period a safe, fun and enjoyable time for all,” he said.