What’s the Most Dangerous Time to Be on Irish Roads? (It’s Not When You Think)

When Are Irish Roads Most Dangerous? MBRS Report Reveals the Answer

When are Irish roads the most dangerous?

Not Friday rush hour.

Not a rainy Monday morning.

Not even a bank holiday Friday afternoon.

According to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety’s 2023 Annual Report, the most dangerous time to be on the road is between 12am and 4am, especially on Sunday mornings.

That’s when the highest number of blood and urine samples were taken from intoxicated drivers.

"And because it’s late, and dark,

you assume the roads are quiet and safe.

But statistically, you’re more likely to be

sharing them with an impaired driver"

Sunday morning? Why then?

Because it’s not really Sunday morning; it’s the aftermath of Saturday night.

People who’ve been drinking for hours.

People who left it “a while” before driving.

People who genuinely thought they were fine.

Between 12am and 4am on Sundays, the MBRS report shows the highest spike in specimens collected for drink and drug testing.

And many of those drivers were well over the legal limit.

Why does this matter?

Because most of us let our guard down at that time.

You’re driving home from a night shift.

Or collecting someone from a club.

Or sharing the road with someone who shouldn’t be behind the wheel at all.

And because it’s late, and dark, you assume the roads are quiet and safe.

But statistically, you’re more likely to be sharing them with an impaired driver.

What’s the actual data from the MBRS?

Here’s what the Medical Bureau of Road Safety 2023 Annual Report shows:

• The busiest time for specimens was between 12am–4am on Sunday mornings.

• Saturday, Sunday and Monday accounted for the highest number of arrests.

• Most of those arrested were not just slightly over — they were several times the limit.

The median blood alcohol level in 2023 was 153mg/100ml.

That’s over 3× the legal limit for most drivers in Ireland.

Does that mean you shouldn’t drive at night?

Not at all.

But it does mean if you’re out on the roads in the early hours, especially on weekends, you need to be more alert.

More cautious.

And a lot more aware of who might be driving around you.

It also means Garda enforcement at those hours works.

That spike in arrests isn’t random.

It’s the result of targeted policing during known danger hours.

Who’s getting caught?

Mostly young men.

The MBRS report confirms that 80% of arrested drivers were under 45, and over 85% were male.

The youngest arrested driver was 13 years old.

The oldest was 90.

The youngest male driver was 13 years old.

The youngest female was 18.

And in many cases, it’s not just alcohol.

The most common drugs found in 2023 were cannabis, cocaine, and benzodiazepines — often in combination.

So, you’re not just dealing with a bit of beer. You’re dealing with poly-drug drivers who often have no idea how impaired they really are.

What should I do with this info?

• If you’re driving late, especially after midnight, take it seriously.

• Keep your distance from erratic or slow-moving cars.

• Don’t assume quiet roads mean safe roads.

• And if you’ve had a night out yourself, don’t take chances the next morning. The MBRS regularly finds people still over the limit even after a night’s sleep.

"So, you’re not just dealing with a bit of beer.

You’re dealing with poly-drug drivers who

often have no idea how impaired they really are"

Conclusion

The roads are at their most dangerous when they feel the emptiest.

Why be cautious on local or back roads, i.e. not main roads?

Well, presumably because a lot of people who have been drinking decide to take back roads to avoid Garda checkpoints on larger, busier roads.

"The youngest arrested driver was 13 years old.

The oldest was 90.

The youngest male driver was 13 years old.

The youngest female was 18"

And according to the MBRS you’re more likely to encounter them in the early morning hours on those roads.  

And if you do get arrested?

Well, it’s important to get good, experienced road traffic advice.

After all, it’s the choice between going off the road or driving home.

And everyone wants to drive home.