The introduction of random breath tests gives gardai greater opportunities than before to to crack down on drink drivers. And they plan to use those new powers at 200 checkpoints countrywide.

There is no greater deterrent to speeding motorists or drunken ones than the prospect of being stopped by the gardai. Part of the problem to date has been that the chances of that happening were very low.

Alcohol is a factor in about half of all road deaths - now running at over 240 for 2006, up 17 on 2005 . But despite our horrific road carnage new figures show that the numbers of drivers prepared to get behind the wheel in an inebriated condition, have risen steeply. There have been 9,646 drink driving arrests so far this year compared to 7,878 in the same period last year.

This weekend gardai are targetting the moderate tipplers who drive home with three or four pints on them. Though they may not think it, they are over the limit and their driving and reaction skills are impaired.

If you plan to enjoy a drink or two this week, leave the car at home or designate a sober driver.

If you don't you really might get caught this time.