MORE than 4,000 motorists in the Humberside area were breathalysed by police over the festive period as part of a casualty reduction campaign targeting drivers who drove whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.
Humberside Police took part in the nationwide campaign for a two month period, from November 1 to January 1, with officers stopping drivers at all times of the day and night.
Party goers were warned to think before they drove the morning after a big night out with the key message and focus being particularly aimed at drivers under the age of 25.
During the campaign period 4,441 motorists were breathalysed in the Humberside Police area, with 5.4 per cent (239) either failing or refusing to provide a breath test or being over the legal alcohol limit.
Of the 1,032 drivers under the age of 25 who were breathalysed, five per cent (52) either failed or refused to provide a specimen of breath, or were found to be over the legal alcohol limit.
Superintendent Darren Downs, head of the Roads Policing Unit for Humberside Police said: “This is an encouraging reduction in offending rates in the under 25s age group compared to results from similar, previous drink and drug driving campaigns throughout 2010 and 2011.
“Since the summer of 2010, offending rates in the under 25s have ranged from 5.2 percent to 10.8 per cent at its highest, in the summer of 2011, so the results this year make us hopeful that the Don’t Drink and Drive message is being heard by this group of drivers.”
He added: “The vast majority of motorists travelling on the roads throughout the Humberside Police area are to be congratulated for their considerate and responsible driving attitude and behaviour during the campaign period.
“However, for those few irresponsible and selfish individuals who decide not to heed all the warnings and continue to drink and drive, be warned that Humberside Police is looking out for you and there is a very high probability that you will be caught and dealt with by the criminal justice process. Not only will you face a heavy fine and a driving ban, but you may also have to face more serious consequences, such as a prison sentence or even losing your livelihood.
“People should remember that alcohol stays in the system for many hours after they stop drinking and following a night out they could still be over the limit the next morning when they get in their car to drive to work or drop the children off at school.”