The number of people arrested during this year’s
Christmas drink and drug driving campaign has fallen by 25%
compared to last year’s campaign.
A total of 100 people were arrested during the campaign – which
ran from Saturday 1 December 2012 to Tuesday 1 January 2013. This
is a 25% reduction in arrests compared to last year’s campaign,
where 133 people were arrested.
Of the 100 people arrested during this year’s
campaign, 79 were men and 21 were women.
Over half of all the people arrested – 54
drivers – were between 25 and 50 years of age.
During the Christmas campaign there was an
increase in traffic patrols and road-side checks. Also, every
driver involved in a collision was breath tested, irrespective of
whether they were suspected of drink driving or not.
Traffic Sergeant Joe Pardey said: “It is
encouraging to see that the number of drivers risking their lives,
and the lives of other road users, by choosing to drink and drive
over the festive season has reduced.
“Most of the motorists stopped were very
supportive of the officers’ actions and fully supported the
campaign to reduce road casualties.”
During this year’s campaign, officers acted on
information submitted by the public to intercept suspected drink
drivers on Dorset’s roads.
Sergeant Pardey continued: “The message seems
to be getting across to the people of Dorset that drinking and
driving is dangerous and just not worth the risk.
“However, I’d continue to encourage members of
the public to contact us if they suspect someone is driving under
the influence of drugs or alcohol so we can take action.”