Gardai have powers to carry out preliminary checks for drugs in the systems of drivers since 13 April, taking oral swabs and doing a roadside test for the presence of cannabis, cocaine, opiates such as heroin and morphine, and benzodiazepines like Valium.
Over the last five years, 14 people have died in May Bank Holiday collisions.
Meanwhile, AA Ireland is anticipating having to deal with up to 300 breakdowns a day over what is one of the busiest weekends of the year on Irish roads. That’s 50pc more than on a normal weekend.
The organisation urges motorists to take a good look around their car before setting out on a long journey, to spot defects which can be easily fixed before driving.
AA Ireland also asks motorists to be on the lookout for vulnerable roads users such as cyclists, and for other motorists who may not be familiar with the area they’re driving in.
