Alcohol was a factor in almost 40% of fatal road crashes that occurred between 2008 and 2012, a report from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has revealed.

According to the report, 286 people died and 69 were seriously injured in crashes where alcohol was a contributory factor during this period.

Altogether, 1,077 people died in 983 collisions between 2008 and 2012. Almost 900 of these collisions were analysed and this revealed that alcohol was a main contributory factor in 38% of all collisions. In other words, they involved a driver, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian who had consumed alcohol.

Meanwhile, an analysis of the deaths revealed that alcohol was a contributory factor in 38% of all driver deaths, 30% of all motorcyclist deaths, 47% of all pedestrian deaths and 42% of all passenger deaths.

Some 50% of all drivers who were found to have consumed alcohol after a fatal collision, were more than four times over the current drink drive limit.

Commenting on the report, the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, said that it shows that Ireland ‘continues to have a problem with alcohol and road use'.

"The consequences are having a devastating effect in our communities. We must continue educating drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and passengers about the very real dangers and consequences of making the bad decision to use the road after consuming alcohol," he said.

Also commenting on the report, RSA chief executive, Moyagh Murdock, noted that while most people using our roads will ‘do the right thing', alcohol remains a major problem.

"The report shows that while we all understand in theory that we shouldn't drink and drive or walk home drunk, we still have not fully eradicated the practice in Ireland," she said.

With thousands of extra people taking to the roads over the June bank holiday weekend, the Gardai are appealing to road users to stay safe.

"We want everyone to enjoy the long weekend without fear of meeting a drunk or dangerous driver on the roads. Drink driving is one of the most selfish and dangerous things you can do - not only are you putting your own life at risk, you're putting other people's lives at risk.

"So this weekend, members of An Garda Síochána will be out in force to ensure that those who are taking unnecessary risks are prevented from endangering others," said Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid.