Police step up campaign against drink drivers

More than 3,000 drink drivers have been caught on Northern Ireland’s roads from the beginning of the year, new police figures have revealed.

The figures were part of the PSNI’s annual winter campaign against drink driving which also predicted that up to “21 families across Northern Ireland will have an empty space at their Christmas table because of those who continue to drink and drive”.

Assistant Chief Constable Roy Toner said that, once again, the message was simple – "Never Ever Drink and Drive".

"The human consequences of drinking and driving are quite simply horrific,” Mr Toner said. “Drinking and driving takes lives and leaves others seriously injured. Anyone tempted to drink and drive should ask the question 'Could I live with the shame of killing someone?'"

Harry Green, Chief Road Safety Officer for the Department of the Environment (DoE) added: "Christmas time is the season of good will; a time to celebrate with friends and family. Those who choose to drink and then drive have obviously no regard for friends, family or other road users who believe in the true spirit of Christmas.

“If you want to enjoy a drink, then make alternative arrangements to get home; use public transport, book a taxi, or get a friend to collect you.

“If you choose to drink and drive, are you prepared to live with the shame of killing a friend, relative or some other innocent road user?”

Police said that last year, 37 deaths and 145 serious injuries on Northern Ireland’s roads were attributable to drink-driving.

Recently, in just one weekend, 38 drivers were detected over the legal limit in the greater Belfast area alone and already in 2004, 21 people have lost their lives on local roads because of drink-driving.

(MB)