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Mandatory breath testing for collisions involving injuries

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar will tomorrow (Wednesday) urge cross-party support for new road safety laws which will make it mandatory for Gardaí to take a breath test at any road collision where someone has been injured.

Minister Varadkar said the fact that this is the first piece of legislation before the Dáil shows the Government is committed to improving road safety.

"Road safety is a key priority for the Government. The Road Traffic Bill will require Gardaí to conduct a preliminary breath test at the scene of a collision where someone has been injured. This is a significant step forward in terms of road safety legislation.

"The Bill will also require Gardaí to conduct a preliminary breath test if they believe alcohol has been consumed.

"The new Road Traffic Bill 2011 will implement the policy of mandatory breath testing, as envisaged in the 2010 Act by amending existing legislation in advance of the commencement of the relevant provisions of the 2010 Act. 

"In the interests of road safety, I hope that all parties in the Dáil will support this vital piece of legislation."

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