Dorset Drink Drive Figures 'Disappointing'

17 June 2011, 09:24 | Updated: 17 June 2011, 09:26

A total of 40 drivers have been arrested during the first half of Dorset Police’s summer drink and drug driving campaign.

The month-long national campaign runs throughout June, with every driver involved in a collision being breath tested – irrespective of whether they are suspected of drink driving or not.

The mid-campaign results are from Wednesday 1 to Wednesday 15 June and they show that a large number of younger drivers are drink driving – as 16 of the 40 people arrests were aged under 30.

The figures show that the vast majority of drink drivers on Dorset’s roads are men – with 33 men and seven women being arrested during the campaign so far.

The number of arrests made during the campaign this year compared to last year has increased. In 2010, 36 drivers were arrested during the first half of the campaign.

Chief Inspector Bob Nichols, Head of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “It is disappointing that the number of arrests we have made during the summer drink drive campaign so far has increased compared to last year.

“When a driver gets behind the wheel after drinking alcohol, they are putting their life and the lives of other innocent road users at risk.

“The 40 drivers that have been arrested so far during the campaign will, if convicted, face at least a 12 month driving ban.

“The dangers of drink driving are highlighted by the fact that 20 per cent of the drivers arrested were involved in collisions.

“I would encourage the friends or family of any driver that has drunk alcohol and is planning on driving to do everything they can to make sure that person does not get behind the wheel.

“I appreciate the support that we have received from the public during the campaign so far.

“I continue to encourage members of the public to contact us by dialling 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 anyone has information about regular drink or drug drivers, they should contact Dorset Police on 01202 or 01305. Alternatively call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.