Over 44,000 drivers were breath tested over the Christmas period and an average of 22 people per day were arrested for drink driving, the Gardai have revealed.

The figures relate to the 2013 Garda Christmas Traffic Enforcement Campaign, which ran from December 1, 2013, to January 5, 2014.

According to the figures, 44,090 people were breath tested at over 8,100 checkpoints. More than 800 people were arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, which is an average of 22 people every day. However this figure rose to 45 on New Year's Day.

"Even on Christmas Day, when families should be enjoying each other's company, 11 people were arrested for drink driving. These people put themselves and others at significant risk. They may now face considerable penalties, which could have easily been avoided had they heeded the many safety messages that have gone out as part of this campaign in particular," commented Assistant Garda Commissioner, John Twomey.

However, he thanked the 433,000 plus ‘responsible drivers' who passed the breath tests at various checkpoints.

The figures also show that seven dangerous driving incidents were detected every day and 21 people died on Irish roads over this period.

"It is very disappointing that there was an increase in road deaths in 2013 after so many successive years of reductions. An Garda Síochána, along with all partner stakeholders, is committed to making our roads as safe as possible. We will use all available resources, both enforcement and educational, to make this happen," Assistant Commissioner Twomey insisted.

Meanwhile, over the Christmas period, more than 17,500 speeding offences were detected, as well as over 1,700 mobile phone offences and 522 seatbelt offences.

The Gardai are calling on all road users to ‘be as safe as possible' in 2014.

"Drivers in particular must slow down and never drink and drive. Road safety begins with each and every one of us. Let's all stay safe in 2014."