13% drop in drink drive figures

POLICE figures released for the winter anti-drink drive operation show a 13% fall in the number of detections despite an increase in the number of roadside preliminary breath tests.

Police performed 5,780 tests, which led to 414 motorists being detected for drink driving.

Compared to the winter 2008/2009 operation, 280 additional roadside preliminary breath tests were performed during the most recent campaign. Overall, the detection figure is 63 less than last year and it includes motorists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample.

Announcing the figures, Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland said: “At the outset of our winter campaign, we reminded road users of our straightforward safety message. Drinking and driving kills, maims, wrecks families and communities.

“Our aim with this and every road safety initiative is to save lives and reduce injuries, which is why we ran operations day and night throughout the festive season and not just during the weekends or key dates.

“During this most recent anti-drink drive campaign we stopped and performed roadside preliminary breath tests on 5,780 drivers. Sadly, 414people failed those tests. They begin 2010 with the prospect of going to court where they will almost certainly lose their driving licence. They should count themselves lucky. They could have lost their own life or destroyed the lives of others had police not stopped them.

”While we welcome the fact that the vast majority of right thinking people realise that drink driving is shameful and unacceptable, clearly there is still an irresponsible minority who ignore all advice and warnings. Whilst the current publicity campaign has ended, the detection of drink driving will remain a year-round priority for police.”

Assistant Chief Constable McCausland concluded by reminding all road users: “If everyone slowed down, did not drive after drinking or taking drugs, wore a seatbelt and drove with greater care and attention then together, it will be possible to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.”

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