Breath test procedures down 24 per cent in Derry over Christmas

In Derry and Strabane there were 28 evidential procedures between November 24, 2016, and January 2, 2017.

That was a decrease of 24 per cent compared with roughly the same period, November 26, 2015, to January 3, 2016, the year previous.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd revealed the number of drivers and motorcyclists detected drink driving during the 2016/17 winter anti-drink drive operation across the North was down very slightly by four per cent, compared to the same time last year.

Three hundred and eighty three were arrested during the winter drink drive operation despite a 125 per cent increase in tests across all districts.

ACC Todd said: “When we launched this operation at the end of November, we warned drivers not to take the risk because we would be using new legislation to perform random breath tests at vehicle checkpoints day and night across the country.

“We tested nearly 11,000 people – a 125% increase in the number of preliminary roadside breath tests compared with the previous operation. 383 People failed those tests; so once again, it is difficult to accept these figures as a success.

“One person was detected at over four times the drink drive limit, with a reading of 149 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millimetres of breath while the legal limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. We’ve had people literally falling out of their cars and people detected throughout the day and night across the country.

“Nearly 300 people received warnings because while they provided a positive breath sample, they were below the legal limit. We shouldn’t be detecting people driving with any alcohol in their system. It’s disappointing that despite our continued warnings, publicity and media coverage generated by this policing operation, that a minority of people completely disregarded the safety of themselves and others by continuing this shameful and incredibly dangerous practice.

“Nearly 400 people across Northern Ireland are now facing the stark reality a court appearance where they will most likely lose their driving license for one or more years, be fined, and will have great difficulty in obtaining car insurance in the future.

“Many also risk losing their jobs or going to jail. The alternative consequences had they not been caught do not bear thinking about. Each one of these drink-drive detections has potentially saved lives.

“Police will continue to detect people who insist on driving after having taken drugs or alcohol. We are again appealing for all motorists to consider the consequences of their actions. Just do not take the risk of having even one drink if you are driving. The consequences, as police officers and our emergency service colleagues witness first hand, can be catastrophic.

“I am also appealing for all road users and pedestrians to exercise caution and put road safety first. With longer hours of darkness and the recent arrival of winter weather, road users need to make extra effort to look out for pedestrians and cyclists particularly along rural roads. Pedestrians and cyclists should wear bright clothing, reflective jackets or armbands where possible to ensure they can be seen.

“If everyone slowed down, did not drive after drinking or taking drugs, wore a seatbelt and drove with greater care and attention then together we can save lives on our roads.”