Dorset Drink Drivers Still Risking Lives

21 January 2011, 12:30 | Updated: 21 January 2011, 12:35

A total of 90 drivers were arrested in Dorset during the Christmas drink drive campaign between 1 December 2010 and 1st January 2011 – with almost 40% of those arrested being men under the age of 30.

During the campaign there were increased traffic patrols, as well as road-side checks, and every driver who was involved
in a collision during the period was breath tested – irrespective of whether they were suspected of drink driving or not.

All except 15 of the 90 people arrested were men, with one third of all the arrested people under the age of 25.

The youngest person to be arrested during the campaign was 17 and the oldest was 73.

Officers carried out 943 breath tests across the county during the campaign – this figure is lower than previous years due to the severe winter weather driving conditions experienced during December 2010.

Chief Inspector Bob Nichols, of the Dorset Police Traffic Unit, said: "I’m pleased that the number of people arrested dropped for this year’s campaign compared to last year, when 103 drivers were arrested.

"The number of breath tests carried out over the campaign is lower than in previous years due to the treacherous
winter driving conditions in December that saw fewer motorists take to the roads.

"However, these figures show that a minority of drivers are still willing to risk their lives, and the lives of other innocent motorists, by choosing to drink and drive.

 "I’m particularly concerned at the large number of younger drivers who we continue to see risking their
lives by drinking and driving."

Chief Inspector Nichols continued:

"My advice to drivers is simple – don’t get behind the wheel after drinking any alcohol at all. Even one drink can impair your ability to drive.

“If a member of the public suspects someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they should dial
999 immediately and report the details to the police so that we can intercept that vehicle."

The legal consequences of being caught drink driving include a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, up to
six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.