Don't drink and drive, say police (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Don't drink and drive, say police

10:57am Wednesday 24th December 2008 in News

POLICE have renewed their appeal to motorists not to drink and drive over the festive period and especially today.

It follows the arrest of more than 140 since the launch of the Christmas Drink Drive campaign in the Avon and Somerset force area on December 1.

A total of 146 drivers have been arrested, of which almost one third (41) were aged under 25.

The arrested drivers have provided a positive breath specimen, failed or refused to provide a specimen or have been driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

The breakdown of arrests is as follows: Bristol 60, South Gloucestershire 21, BANES 10, East Somerset 22, West Somerset 19 and North Somerset 14.

Superintendent Andy Pullan, head of the police's road policing unit, said: "There is no failsafe guide as to how to stay under the legal drink drive limit, or how much you can drink and still drive safely. That is why we urge people not to drink at all if they are driving."

Officers will continue to carry out high visibility road-side checks across known drink drive hotspots throughout the force area. They will also be taking the opportunity to provide car crime prevention advice.

Police estimate by the end of the Christmas drink drive campaign up to 10,000 motorists will have been stopped by officers.

The crackdown on drink driving is part of a nationwide initiative led by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) throughout the month of December.

Although there is a focused campaign throughout December Superintendent Pullan stressed the drink drive message applies each of the 365 days of the year.

"It is recognised that over the festive period there is a greater risk but we will remain relentless in our campaign against drink driving in Avon and Somerset," said Supt Pullan.

Anyone with information about drink drivers should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You do not have to give your name and could receive a reward. In urgent cases where it is suspected someone is driving or about to drive whilst drunk putting life at risk then call 999.