Motorists are advised to wait for alcohol to fully leave their system before driving this Bank Holiday Monday. 

Driving under the influence, along with speeding and driving while using devices, is the focus of a nationwide Road Safety Enforcement Operation today. 

Two pedestrians were killed on Irish roads over the course of St Patrick’s Day weekend, one in Donegal and one in Drogheda. 

Garda Superintendent Liam Geraghty is encouraging drivers to make sensible choices. 

“We need to make an appeal to every person out there to take responsibility when they're using the roads,” he said. 

“Never ever drive under the influence and get home safe and make sure everybody else gets home safe this Monday and Tuesday.” 

Driving after drinking

Mr Geraghty urged people who were drinking alcohol over the weekend to wait until it has fully left their system before driving. 

“If you're not feeling up to driving, if you feel tired, you have to take that responsibility to stop the vehicle,” he said. 

“Take a chance to take a break and refresh yourself. 

“Because it's not just you, it’s the other road users that you may be putting at risk and nobody wants to be involved in a collision, definitely not involved in the collision that results in a fatality.” 

According to Drinkaware, it takes at least one hour to process one standard drink, including half a pint of beer, 100ml glass of wine and a standard measure of spirits. 

An average pint of beer equals two standard drinks, meaning it will take two hours to process. 

Drinkaware also has an online alcohol calculator that shows how long it will take to process the amount of drink in someone’s system.