The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has today launched a new TV-led advertising campaign that confronts the issue of drug-driving in Ireland. This latest initiative puts a spotlight on the serious and life-altering consequences of driving under the influence of drugs – including the loss of employment, restrictions on international travel, 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 will be stepping up roadside enforcement nationwide during this bank holiday weekend.

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. 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.

Sean Canney, 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. We are committed to supporting An Garda Síochána and the RSA in their efforts to eliminate this dangerous behaviour from our roads.”

In 2024, the 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). Garda detection of drug-driving is increasingly likely for those drivers who risk their lives, and the lives and health of others, through such dangerous behaviour.”

Sam Waide, chief executive of the RSA, said: “Drug driving is a hidden but deadly threat on our roads. This campaign is about more than law enforcement – it’s about changing mindsets, especially among young drivers. We want to foster a zero-tolerance culture where drug driving is deemed as totally unacceptable, between drivers and their passengers on the road.”

• 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 all drivers that have been arrested since January 2024 on suspicion of drug driving are aged under 30.

Paula Hilman Assistant Commissioner for Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána said: “Our enforcement data shows that Gardaí are encountering an increased number of people failing roadside drug tests. Half of those detected driving under the influence of drugs since January 2024, were aged under 30.

“Driving under the influence of an intoxicant is illegal and not only impairs driving performance and reduces your capacity to drive safely, it also increases the risk of being involved in or causing a collision, putting your life and the lives of others at risk.

“We will have an increased presence on our roads across the country this bank holiday weekend and are urging all drivers to make safe choices – never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”

A 2024 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 is highest among 18–24-year-olds.
• Two out of three drivers believe it is unlikely they’ll be tested for drugs during a typical weekly journey.
• 64% are 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.

These findings highlight the importance of increased enforcement and driver education and awareness initiatives, such as this new anti-drug-driving campaign, to reduce drug-driving on Irish roads.

Most drivers (85%) agree that drug driving should lead to disqualification, not just penalty points – a strong public mandate for the current legal approach.

This is a TV-led campaign supported by video on demand, radio, digital audio, social media and out of home advertising in pubs and clubs across the country. See link to advert here – https://www.rsa.ie/road-safety/campaigns/drug-driving