150+ DRIVERS FAIL DRINK-DRIVE CAMPAIGN

A total of 2,241 drivers were breath-tested by officers during the national Christmas Drink and Drug Drive campaign in Cleveland and Durham.

The campaign took place throughout December with the theme this time being ‘The Only Safe Drink is a Soft Drink.’

Of all the motorists tested 102 either gave a positive result, refused to take the test or failed to provide a sample of breath. This amounts to 4.55% of all those breath-tested.

A further 50 were also arrested for being unfit to drive through drink or drugs without a  breathalyser being required, making a total of 152 arrests across the month.

Police carried out a number of operations to stop check vehicles, both in the morning and evening, where drivers were asked to take a voluntary breath test. Officers also targeted efforts in areas known for drink-related collisions.

The total figure includes 473 tested following a collision in which they were involved. Of these, 27 failed (5.7%).

The previous campaign saw 3,250 drivers breathalysed with 96 testing positive, refusing or failing to provide. The drop in the number of tests conducted was largely down to a number of serious or fatal collisions in both force areas which took up considerable resources.

“It is disappointing that so many motorists got behind the wheel and drove, despite being unfit to do so,” said Chief Insp Ed Turner, head of the joint Cleveland and Durham specialist operations unit.

“However, the figures once again show the vast majority are law-abiding and, judging by the feedback we received at the voluntary roadside tests, fully supportive of the campaign.

“Drink-driving is not just an issue we address over the festive period, it is one of the four main causes of fatalities on the roads. It will continue to be a priority for the operations unit throughout the year.”

The majority of fatal road collisions involve one or more of the so-called ‘fatal four’ issues; impairment through drink or drugs; excess or inappropriate speed; distractions to the driver (eg using a mobile device) or failure to wear a seatbelt.

In each force area the figures for the December campaign were as follows;
Total number of breath tests;
Cleveland     894
Durham     1,347

Total of those which were positive, refused or failed;
Cleveland    53
Durham     49

Total of all arrests for being unfit through drink or drugs including those tested
at the roadside
Cleveland    74
Durham    78