Minister: There is ‘no excuse’ for drug driving
A new TV-led advertising campaign confronting the issue of drug-driving in Ireland has been launched.
The initiative, led by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), puts a spotlight on the serious and life-altering consequences of driving under the influence of drugs such as loss of employment, travel restrictions, and the impact on personal relationships.
The launch coincides with the May Bank Holiday Road Safety Appeal, a joint initiative by the RSA and an Garda Síochána, urging drivers to slow down, avoid driving under the influence, and to keep mobile phones out of reach while on the road.
Gardaí stepped up roadside enforcement nationwide during this bank holiday weekend as part of the appeal.
The new drug-driving campaign aims to correct public misconceptions and raise awareness, especially among young people, about the reality and risks of drug-driving.
During 2024, 3,230 drivers were arrested by An Garda Síochána on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs. In the first quarter of this year, gardaí arrested 814 people on the roadside on suspicion of drug driving.
In each month since January 2024, an average 282 drivers have been arrested on suspicion of drug driving, half of whom were under 30.
In 2024, a national survey of 892 drivers in Ireland revealed that 42% of drivers admit to having little or no knowledge about drug-driving laws. This lack of awareness was highest among 18–24 year olds.
The survey also found that two out of three drivers believe it is unlikely they’ll be tested for drugs during a typical weekly journey, with 64% being unaware of the new roadside drug testing capabilities.
Almost one in five young drivers (aged 18-24) know someone who has driven after taking illicit drugs, the survey also uncovered. Even small quantities of drugs can drastically impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle by affecting motor skills, perception, coordination, and reaction times, said the RSA.
Sean Canney TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, said: “There is no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs. The consequences can be severe and irreversible.
“This campaign is an important reminder that drug-driving not only endangers lives but also carries serious legal, personal, and social repercussions,” he added.
In 2024, the Irish Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) received 4,348 specimens for drug analysis (a 12% increase on 2023). In 73% of positive drug results, the drivers were under 44 years of age and the majority were male. Cannabis and cocaine were the top two drugs found.
Professor Denis Cusack, Director of the MBRS, said: “Driving under the influence of impairing drugs causes road crashes, deaths, and serious injuries. The simple advice is never drive under the influence of drugs. It is essential however that people taking doctor-prescribed or pharmacist-advised medications for health conditions continue taking these, as advised for better health and safe driving.”
In 2023, the MBRS supplied An Garda Síochána with 20,000 roadside drug testing devices and in 2025 have made provision to supply up to 45,000 devices (a 225% increase).