Messages highlighting the dangers of drink driving are not being heeded by many drivers, new figures have revealed.
Many people in Britain continue to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drink or drugs, it has been claimed.
Chief constable Suzette Davenport of the Association of Chief Police Officers said that despite repeated attempts to drive home the message that driving and noxious substances are a toxic mix, many motorists are still
flouting the law and putting lives in danger.
A summer drink-drive campaign carried out between June 1st and 30th saw 63,688 tests administered, of which one in 15 – 6.5 per cent – were failed, tested positive or refused, representing an increase on the figure for 2012. Of the tests failed, 962 involved motorists under the age of 25.
Chief constable Davenport said that the authorities adopted a more strategic approach to apprehend those driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, with the focus falling on drivers the morning after a heavy night. She revealed that they targeted areas around venues broadcasting World Cup matches.
She stated that while nobody wants to spoil people's fun,
the rules of the road and the safety of others cannot be ignored by the general public.
"They must take responsibility for themselves when getting behind the wheel of a car and ensure that they are in a fit state to do so. If you are not
you will be spotted, you will be tested and, if you fail that test, you will face serious consequences," chief constable Davenport added.
She concluded that the figures make for disappointing reading and warned those who flout the law that the police will continue to punish them and make sure the roads remain safe.
The Herald Express reported recently that more than 130 drink drivers were caught during the World Cup crackdown last month.
More than 776 tests were administered, with 17 per cent positive, refused or failed.
These figures are an improvement on those for the same period in June 2013, when 789 tests were carried out and 21 per cent were failed, refused or positive.
Posted by Perry Murray