Police 'disappointed' at increase in drink driving
Wednesday, 12th January 2011.
Police in Suffolk have been left 'disappointed' with the number of people still determined to 'put careers on the line' following the conclusion of the Christmas 2010 drink-drive awareness campaign.
Figures show a 2.4 per cent increase in the year-on-year Christmas campaigns, with 102 motorists out of 1,118 stopped (9.1 per cent), arrested for drink-driving. This compares with December 2009 when 6.7 per cent of those breath tested were positive.
The month-long campaign began on December 1 and saw officers conduct breath tests countywide. On average around three motorists were caught over the drink-drive limit every day during the campaign.
The worst offending group was males over 25 where 11.1 per cent failed a breath test. Only 3.3 per cent of tests conducted on those aged 16-19 were found to be positive.
In total 6.9 per cent of all drivers tested in the under 25s age group provided a positive breath test compared with 9.8 per cent of all drivers over 25.
Furthermore, 409 of the total breath tests were conducted following a road traffic collision, of which 31 gave a positive reading. This equates to 7.5 per cent and is a 2.3 per cent increase on last year.
Ch Insp Ady Dawson said he was angry that motorists continued to 'dice with death' and risk everything for alcohol.
“We set out to eradicate this scourge from society, but we can only do so much,” he said.
“We’re truly disappointed in the attitude shown by a significant number of people who don’t seem to care about risking their lives, their job and social embarrassment. We will not tolerate drink or drug-driving and will continue to pursue these criminals throughout the year.
“These people are not above the law and they will be prosecuted. We will continue working with local media organisations so our work is publicised and those who choose to risk lives will be exposed. Drink-driving ruins lives all year round.”
Anyone who suspects someone of drink-driving is asked to report them immediately to the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Figures show a 2.4 per cent increase in the year-on-year Christmas campaigns, with 102 motorists out of 1,118 stopped (9.1 per cent), arrested for drink-driving. This compares with December 2009 when 6.7 per cent of those breath tested were positive.
The month-long campaign began on December 1 and saw officers conduct breath tests countywide. On average around three motorists were caught over the drink-drive limit every day during the campaign.
The worst offending group was males over 25 where 11.1 per cent failed a breath test. Only 3.3 per cent of tests conducted on those aged 16-19 were found to be positive.
In total 6.9 per cent of all drivers tested in the under 25s age group provided a positive breath test compared with 9.8 per cent of all drivers over 25.
Furthermore, 409 of the total breath tests were conducted following a road traffic collision, of which 31 gave a positive reading. This equates to 7.5 per cent and is a 2.3 per cent increase on last year.
Ch Insp Ady Dawson said he was angry that motorists continued to 'dice with death' and risk everything for alcohol.
“We set out to eradicate this scourge from society, but we can only do so much,” he said.
“We’re truly disappointed in the attitude shown by a significant number of people who don’t seem to care about risking their lives, their job and social embarrassment. We will not tolerate drink or drug-driving and will continue to pursue these criminals throughout the year.
“These people are not above the law and they will be prosecuted. We will continue working with local media organisations so our work is publicised and those who choose to risk lives will be exposed. Drink-driving ruins lives all year round.”
Anyone who suspects someone of drink-driving is asked to report them immediately to the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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