206 people arrested during
summer drink and drug driving campaign
A total of 206 people were arrested by
Merseyside Police on suspicion of drink and drug driving during a month long
summer campaign. A total of 1995 breath tests were conducted during a 4 week
crackdown in June to make the county's roads safer. Of the 206 people, 97 were
arrested for drink drive offences such as failing a breath test or refusing to
give one, and 109 drivers tested positive for drugs such as cannabis or cocaine.
Of those arrested for drink drive offences 85% were male and 15% female with 67%
in the 25 to 49 age range. For those stopped for drug driving offences 95% were
male and 5% female and 70% were in the 25 to 49 age range. The majority of
people were stopped between 11pm and 3am (42%) with 29% stopped on a Sunday. All
those arrested face a minimum 12 month driving ban and could be hit with a
£5,000 fine by a magistrates court.
Inspector Keith Kellett, from the force's roads Policing department said:-
"Hundreds of people are killed every year in this country because of drink and
drug drivers. These incidents cause devastation to so many people yet could have
been avoided if the motorist had chosen not to get behind the wheel while under
the influence. Drink and drug driving is a serious offence with serious
consequences and that is why we carry out targeted campaigns like this in order
to take offenders off the road and send out a clear message to others. But I
don't want drivers to be complacent that they will no longer be caught because
the summer campaign has finished. We will continue our efforts to educate the
public and to highlight the risks of drink and drug driving and our enforcement
activity will also continue throughout the year across Merseyside. The number of
breath tests conducted this year was lower than last year as the campaign ran
for 4 weeks and not the s6 weeks that it ran during last year's Euro football
championship. We also saw a corresponding drop in the number of arrests, which
we hope means that more drivers are taking heed of our road safety messages.
During this campaign, many drivers were issued with a free, disposable
breathalyser to test themselves the morning after drinking. Only 3% of drivers
were arrested during the morning peak times so perhaps they proved useful in
showing people how they can still be well over the limit after a night out. The
vast majority we did stop, over 95%, passed the tests so we know it is only a
minority of drivers who are behaving like this. We are also trying to ensure the
next generation of drivers get the message. Anyone wanting to learn to drive can
sign up to the Engage scheme and not only be taught how to pass the driving
test, but also learn about issues such as drink and drug driving, distractions
such as mobile phone use and several other topics that the Police believe are
also critical in becoming a safe and responsible driver. Our focus will remain
on removing all drink and drug drivers from the roads of Merseyside and my
message to would be offenders is that you can be stopped at any time by any
Police Officer and be tested for alcohol or drugs. It only takes a matter of
minutes for Police to obtain a result and if you fail you will be arrested and
taken to a Police cell with the potential of a driving ban and a criminal
record, which could cost you your job and affect not only you, but your family.
It really isn't worth the risk of ruining your life and potentially the lives of
others. If you know or suspect someone is driving whilst under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, then please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555
111."
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