Drink driving on the increase

A SHARP increase in the numbers of people driving after using drink or drugs has been recorded by Cheshire Police.
During a month-long campaign to combat drink and drug driving 153 people were arrested after failing a breath test, compared with 119 arrested for the same period last year.
More than three quarters of those arrested were men. The total figure includes 49 people from the Northern Area, which includes Warrington.
Figures for those driving while unfit due to drugs has more than doubled – with nine arrests during June this year, compared with four in the same period last year. This includes one man from Warrington.
Assistant Chief Constable Phil Thompson (right) said: “These people will face the prospect of losing their license, incurring a criminal record and even a prison sentence. At the very least they will be looking at largely increased insurance costs and a heavy fine.
“People are simply not getting the message that drink drivers will get caught and will be prosecuted. Choosing to drink and drive poses a great threat to yourself and others. The message is very clear – if you are going to have a drink, don’t get behind the wheel, don’t take the risk.”
He said the number of arrests is the highest for the past three years, and that six per cent more arrests have been made compared with the same time last year. The number of arrests for drug driving is also at its highest compared with the previous two years.
In a bid to combat the increased numbers, Cheshire Police is re-launching its “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” campaign during the summer. It will illustrate the dangers of drink driving as well as generally the risks of excessive alcohol consumption.
It will also focus on various aspects of alcohol-related problems such as summer barbecues, underage drinking, vulnerability, together with drink driving.
People who are aware of persistent drink-drivers are urged to report them on the Cheshire Police Information line; 0845 458 0000, or anonymously on the Cheshire Police website http://www.cheshire.police.uk