NOTTS: Summer drink-drivers still putting lives at risk

The stark alert comes as figures for the police’s summer drink drive clampdown are released.

During the campaign, which ran from June 1 to 30, Nottinghamshire Police administered 1,071 breath tests of which 73 tested positive, failed or refused to be tested. 20 of those who failed were under the age of 25 whilst the other 53 were over.

Chief Inspector Andy Charlton of Nottinghamshire Police said: “Drinking and driving is still too prevalent on our roads as these figures show. The problem hasn’t gone away.

“Here in Nottinghamshire on average we arrest four drink drivers every single day of the year. We can all play a part in stopping it – if you know or suspect someone drinks and drives try to discourage them, but if they won’t listen to you ring us and report them – anonymously if you like on the Crimestoppers number (0800 555 111) – and we’ll stop them before they go on to kill or injure themselves or others.

“No one deserves to die on our roads.”

National policing lead for roads policing, Chief Constable Suzette Davenport of Gloucestershire Police said: “Our officers this summer used a very much more intelligence-led approach to testing. Forces focused on the dangers of driving the morning after a heavy night and targeting areas where risk was highest, particularly around venues broadcasting the World Cup.

“Despite us constantly hammering home the anti-drink and drug driving message, it is not being heeded by enough people. This puts lives at risk, not only the driver’s and any passengers they may have but also other road users.

“I fully understand that, throughout June and into July, many people wanted to enjoy the spectacle and excitement of the World Cup, music festivals and the like, and I have no desire whatsoever to diminish their enjoyment. However, they must take responsibility for themselves when getting behind the wheel of a car and ensure that they are in a fit state to do so. If you are not – you will be spotted, you will be tested and, if you fail that test, you will face serious consequences.

“Overall, I am disappointed in the figures emerging from this summer’s campaign, but I am confident that, year on year, we have started to get through to people. As the year progresses, officers nationwide will continue to be vigilant and do their utmost to keep our road users safe from those who make reckless decisions behind the wheel.”

ACPO Summer Drink and Drug Driving Campaign 20141 June - 30 June 2014 in Nottinghamshire

Total breath tests administered NOT involving collisions - 691

Total of those that were positive, refused or failed to provide - 48

Total breath tests administered FOLLOWING collisions - 380

Total of those that were positive, refused or failed to provide - 25

Total number of collisions reported - 520

Total number of breath tests administered to UNDER 25s - 228

Total of those that were positive, refused or failed to provide - 20

Total number of breath tests administered to 25 YEARS AND OVER - 843

Total of those that were positive, refused or failed to provide - 53

Total number of Field Impairment Tests conducted - 0

Number arrested section 4 (drugs or drink or drugs) following a FIT test - 0

Number arrested section 4 (drugs or drink or drugs) NOT following a FIT test - 23

Number arrested section 4 (drugs or drink or drugs) following a Collision - 9