RESULTS: Christmas anti-drink drive campaign
The results of this year’s Christmas Anti-Drink Drive
Campaign have shown that 3.8% of those breathalysed tested over the
limit - up on last year's result of 2.95%.
A total of 3,263 people were
breathalysed between December 1 and 31, 2012 and 126
people were found to be over the alcohol limit or refused or failed
to provide a sample.
Of those found over the limit, 94 were men and 32 were
women.
During the 2011 campaign, a total of 115 drivers were found to
be over the limit. Of the 3893 drivers stopped and breathalysed, a
total of 115 were found to be driving over the legal alcohol limit
or refused or failed to provide a sample. Of these 97 (84%) were
men and 18 (16%) were women.
Casualty Reduction Manager Adam Pipe said: "This year’s figures
show an increase in the numbers from last year, which is
obviously very disappointing. Despite widespread publicity of our
campaign and high visibility policing there are still a large
number of people who will risk, not only their own lives, but those
of others by drinking and driving.
A total 842 women were breathalysed. Of these, 32 were
positive equating to 3.8% of the total, higher than last year.
Mr Pipe said: "This year there seems to be more women driving
when they should not because of alcohol consumed. This may be
following a night out or, in some cases the following morning, when
they could be driving their children to school. Of the 32 women
with positive results 25 were aged over 25 years of age.”
The potential consequences of driving whilst drunk or over the
limit can be life changing and anyone who regularly drinks and
drives should seek professional help for alcoholism.
Mr Pipe added: "This is not the end of targeting motorists who
drink and drive - the campaign lasts 365 days a year in
Essex.
"If you know someone who regularly drinks and drives call Essex
Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Throughout December we received approximately 50 reports from
Crimestoppers about drink-drivers from concerned members of the
public and we will take action.”
