Over 7,000 drivers drunken drivers caught last month
publication date: Jan 20, 2012
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author/source: Robin Roberts
More than 7,100 people were arrested in the month-long Christmas and New Year campaign targeting drink and drug drivers, ACPO lead for Roads Policing, Deputy Chief Constable Suzette Davenport revealed today.
DCC Davenport said "During the crackdown nearly 157,000 people were stopped and tested. Despite clear messages that driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs isn't accepted, more than 7,000 drivers ignored the messages and placed their own lives and the lives of fellow road users in jeopardy anyway.
She continued, "The consequences of drink and drug driving are far reaching. It's not only socially irresponsible but it raises serious issues for those that ignore the risks. Those convicted are likely to face a lengthy driving ban and possible loss of jobs and livelihoods with some even facing imprisonment."
The campaign ran from 1 December 2011 to 1 January 2012 with officers from 43 forces throughout England and Wales testing drivers at all times of the day and night. This year forces undertook intelligence led testing and the result was that a larger percentage of the smaller sample of drivers tested, failed the test.
IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said, "That young drivers continue to be the worst offenders is worrying. Our research shows that half of young drivers don't know how much they can drink and still be under the limit, so the message is not getting through to them.
"This suggests that lack of education and confusion over safe limits in today's drinking culture of huge glasses and ever changing alcoholic mixes may be a key factor in drink driving, especially for this age group."
Young drivers continue to have a higher rate of offending at 5.7% compared to over 25s at 4%. This highlights the important role that the police, government, parents and society as a whole have to play to educate the newest generation of drivers. Figures also supported claims that those driving under the influence are more likely to be involved in a collision.