Drop In Christmas Drink Driving

Dorset Police say the number of people arrested during this year’s Christmas drink driving campaign has fallen compared to last year.

A total of 100 people were arrested during the campaign – which ran from Saturday 1 December 2012 to Tuesday 1 January 2013. This is a 25% reduction in arrests compared to last year’s campaign, where 133 people were arrested.

Of the 100 people arrested during this year’s campaign, 79 were men and 21 were women.

Over half of all the people arrested – 54 drivers – were between 25 and 50 years of age.

During the Christmas campaign there was an increase in traffic patrols and road-side checks. Every driver involved in a collision was also breath tested, whether or not they were suspected of drink driving.

Traffic Sergeant Joe Pardey said: “It is encouraging to see that the number of drivers risking their lives, and the lives of other road users, by choosing to drink and drive over the festive season has reduced.

“Most of the motorists stopped were very supportive of the officers’ actions and fully supported the campaign to reduce road casualties.”

During this year’s campaign, officers acted on information submitted by the public to intercept suspected drink drivers on Dorset’s roads.

Sergeant Pardey continued: “The message seems to be getting across to the people of Dorset that drinking and driving is dangerous and just not worth the risk.


“However, I’d continue to encourage members of the public to contact us if they suspect someone is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol so we can take action.”