Increased numbers of women drink driving

A SURGE in drink driving has been noted by gardaí in Mayo with more young people – especially ladies – risking going behind the wheel after imbibing.

Countywide, according to senior gardaí, there have been 142 arrests for drink driving this year, an increase of 38% on this time last year.

Chief Superintendent Pat Diskin, Supt. Joe McKenna and Inspector Mandy Gaynor provided an insight last week into the present situation as regards drink driving as part of an overall crime briefing to members of Castlebar Municipal District.

Chief Supt. Diskin described the recent rise in drink drive offenders as ‘noticeable’.

He added: “People seem to be getting more complacent about the drink drive regulations.”

Supt. McKenna, meanwhile, noted that traditionally it was people in their 50s who were being caught for drink driving but now young people, formerly compliant with the rules, are offending.

“We have noticed that of late more young ladies are getting caught,” the officer continued.

Gardaí say they are determined to robustly tackle the rise in drink driving by increasing the number of checkpoints.

Chief Supt. Diskin said it was 'disturbing' that greater numbers of young people now appear to be drink drive offenders.

On a more postive note, the chief superintendent reported that overall crime in the county is decreasing.

In the past 12 months, serious assaults are down 10%, minor assaults down 26%, burglaries are down 26% and theft of cars down 26%.

But, on a less positive note, arrests for the possession of drugs are up 26%.