24% Drop in winter drink drive figures
20 Jan 2009
Police figures released today, (January 20), for the winter anti-drink drive campaign show a 24% fall in the number of detections against an increase in the number of roadside preliminary breath tests.
Police performed 5,500 tests, which led to 477 motorists being detected for drink driving.
Compared to the winter 2007/2008 operation, 114 additional roadside preliminary breath tests were performed during the most recent campaign. Overall, the detection figure is 152 less than last year and it includes motorists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample.
Announcing the figures, Assistant Chief Constable Roy Toner said: "At the outset of our winter campaign, we reminded road users of our straightforward safety message. Drinking and driving kills, maims, wrecks families and communities.
"Our aim with this and every road safety initiative is to save lives and reduce injuries, which is why we ran operations day and night throughout the festive season and not just during the weekends or key dates."
"The detections in every district across Northern Ireland are thanks to the determined efforts of local police who were supported by Road Policing Command Units and Tactical Support Groups.
"During this most recent anti-drink drive campaign we stopped and performed roadside preliminary breath tests on 5,500 drivers and riders. Sadly, 477 people failed those tests. They begin 2009 with the prospect of going to court where they will almost certainly lose their driving licence. They should count themselves lucky. They could have lost their own life or destroyed the lives of others had police not stopped them.
"While we welcome the fact that the vast majority of right thinking people realise that drink driving is shameful and unacceptable, clearly there is still an irresponsible minority who ignore all advice and warnings. Whilst the current publicity campaign has ended, the detection of drink driving will remain a year-round priority for police."
Assistant Chief Constable Toner concluded by reminding all road users: "If everyone slowed down, did not drive after drinking or taking drugs, wore a seatbelt and drove with greater care and attention then together, it will be possible to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads."
