PSNI winter anti-drink and drug drive report reveals 'shocking' level of detections
A motorist detected during the most recent PSNI drink driving campaign was almost five times the legal limit, it’s been revealed.
Preliminary figures show an average of nine arrests were made in Northern Ireland each day during the winter anti-drink/drug drive campaign, which ran from December 1, 2025 to January 1 this year.
A 14-year-old and an 82-year-old were among those arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving during the campaign.
The release of figures come as a senior PSNI appeals to all road users and motorists to pay particular focus to road safety to reduce the number of people injured and killed in traffic collisions.
During the latest campaign, 288 arrests were made for drink/drug driving, compared to 300 during a similar initiative last year.
Initial figures show there were around 5,200 preliminary breath tests conducted throughout the campaign.
During the same campaign, preliminary figures show that almost 5,700 excess speed offences were detected by the Road Safety Partnership and the PSNI, while police officers recorded a further 35 for not wearing a seatbelt and 75 offences of using a mobile phone while driving.
Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson said: “When we launched our winter anti-drink and drug drive operation, we appealed directly to drivers not to take any risks by drinking or taking drugs and driving, and to pay particular attention to road safety.
"Despite our repeated appeals, and road safety efforts, the level of detections are shocking.
"All of these drivers made a conscious decision to drive in the way they did. Their selfish and reckless actions placed themselves, their passengers and all other road users in danger.”
In 2025, 56 people died on Northern Ireland’s roads. To date, this year, four people have died on roads in Northern Ireland.
"These are more than statistics,” says Chief Supt Donaldson.
"These deaths are catastrophic, devastating losses for loved ones left behind, for their friends and communities.
"Our roads are busy places and all road users and motorists share the responsibility for road safety. Poor driving, bad decisions behind the wheel – it’s all preventable.
"My appeal to everyone is before you start your road journey, take a moment to think about the responsibility you have driving. Think about your safety, that of your passengers and of all other roads users.
"Slow down, stay off your phone when you’re driving, don’t get careless, always wear your seat belt and never drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
"Driving requires 100 percent of your attention and focus, and all of us can and must pay particular attention to road safety to reduce the number of people injured and killed on our roads.”