More than 2,700 drink-driving offences were recorded in Northern Ireland in the past year, prompting fresh warnings to motorists ahead of St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Road safety campaigners say drivers should be particularly wary of the “morning after” effect, when alcohol from the night before can still leave them over the legal limit.

Official figures show there were 2,763 drink-driving offences recorded in Northern Ireland in the 12 months to November, highlighting that alcohol remains a significant factor in road safety incidents.

During the PSNI’s recent Christmas drink-drive enforcement campaign, officers carried out around 5,200 roadside breath tests, with more than 7% of motorists either failing the test or refusing to provide a sample.

In total, 288 people were arrested - with Belfast City once again recording the highest number of drink-drive arrests (56).

“Many people assume that if they’ve had a good night’s sleep they will automatically be safe to drive the next morning, but that’s simply not the case,” said Hunter Abbott, Managing Director of breathalyser firm AlcoSense.

“Alcohol is processed slowly by the body. Even if you feel fine the next day, you could still be over the legal limit and impaired.”

Research shows that at the legal drink-drive limit in Northern Ireland, a driver is around 13 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than when completely sober.

AlcoSense is urging people celebrating St Patrick’s Day to plan ahead. Options include arranging a lift home, taking a taxi or public transport, or choosing a designated driver who will not drink.

“If you’re unsure whether you’re safe to drive the next morning, the only way to know for certain is to use a personal breathalyser,” added Abbott.

“St Patrick’s Day should be about celebrating with friends and family. No one wants those celebrations to end in tragedy.”

Drivers caught over the limit in Northern Ireland can face up to six months in prison, a fine of up to £5,000 and a driving ban of at least 12 months.