Rise in number of drink drivers apprehended

A total of 132 drink drivers have been detected in the first two weeks of this year’s winter anti-drink driving campaign.

The figure, revealed by the PSNI, is 16 up on the same period last year and includes motorists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample.

Superintendent Ian Hamill, head of Road Policing Development Branch, said that the detection rate, coupled with an increased in the number of drivers screened, from 618 last year to 919 this year, reflected the robust approach being taken by police.

“This shows clearly that police are determined that there will be no hiding place for those who drink and drive, he said.

Superintendent Hamill also appealed to drunken pedestrians to take care, he said: “It is important that drivers take on board the message that they should never, ever drink and drive.

"We want everyone to enjoy the festivities whether they are a driver, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian. But drink dulls the senses. So try, where possible, to arrange transport before going on a night out.”

In addition, Superintendent Hamill said that drivers had to take account the amount of time it takes for alcohol to clear the blood stream. “Even if you have been responsible and have arranged a lift, it is possible that if you are stopped by police the morning after you could still be over the limit, and could lose your licence.”

He reminded people 28 deaths on Northern Ireland’s roads last year were attributable to drink.

(MB)