Dorset Drink Drive Figures 'Disappointing'

12 July 2011, 09:24 | Updated: 12 July 2011, 09:26

As the summer drink and drug driving campaign comes to an end, figures show 88 drivers have been arrested – compared to 81 last summer.

The month-long national campaign ran from Wednesday, 1 June to Thursday, 30 June 2011 and saw every driver involved in a
collision being breath tested – irrespective of whether they were suspected of drink driving or not.

Final figures show that the vast majority of drink drivers on Dorset’s roads are men – with 75 men and 13 women arrested during the campaign.

Almost half of all drivers arrested – 40 of the 88 arrested – were aged under 30.

Chief Inspector Bob Nichols, Head of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “It’s really disappointing to see that arrests have increased after the reduction we had seen in the previous few years.

“In the 12 months before the campaign started, there were five fatal road traffic collisions in Dorset that were attributed to drink or drugs. This accounts for a quarter of all fatal collisions during that time. Of the 88 arrests during the June campaign, 16 of these followed a collision.

“This just goes to show that collisions can and do happen if you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“All of the drivers arrested will, if convicted, face at least a 12 month driving ban. That’s in addition to a fine of up to £5,000, up to six months in prison and a criminal record.

“For anyone who thinks it’s acceptable to get behind the wheel after drinking I’d also like to offer the reminder that offenders are liable to 14 years imprisonment for causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

“Now that the summer campaign has come to an end it doesn’t mean we will stop pursuing irresponsible drivers on our roads. We will continue to target drink drivers and I urge the public to continue to support us with this by getting in touch if they suspect someone is driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.

“Members of the public should dial 999 if they suspect someone is driving, or is about to drive, under the influence of alcohol or drugs so that we can intercept that vehicle.”

If you have information about regular drink or drug drivers, contact Dorset Police on 01202 or 01305 222222. Alternatively, you can call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.