These graphs show how more breath-testing has affected drink-driving

Figures supplied by Gardaí show a year-on-year drop in the number of drivers found to be intoxicated.

EARLIER THIS WEEK, Gardaí launched their Christmas Enforcement Campaign campaign to clamp on unsafe driving over the festive period.

As part of this, there will be an increased number of Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) checkpoints, with one on Wednesday stopping 200 cars and finding two people who’s breath tested positive for alcohol.

Over recent years, such testing has become a lot more common. Gardaí have clamped down hugely on drink-driving, introduced more checkpoints around the country and most recently reducing drink driving alcohol limits in 2010, but has it resulted in a reduction in the numbers of those drinking and driving?

Figures supplied at the launch of the campaign show a noticeable year-on-year drop in the number of people driving while having drink taken.

Data for December 2013 is not available yet. Click here to view a larger version.

This fall also matches a rise in the number of MAT checkpoints.

Data prior to 1st July 2009 is based on manual returns. Click here to view a larger version.

Click here to view the raw data.

Poll: Would you report a drink-driver to the gardaí for money? >

Read: Nearly six per cent admit to drink driving, men more likely to do it than women >

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