Many ignore drink drive warning

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THE MAJORITY of motorists caught drink driving over the festive period in West Mercia were caught the morning after a weekend night out.

Road safety chiefs have also expressed concern at the fact half of the 203 people who tested positive for drink and drugs lived in urban areas with easy access to public transport and taxis but chose to risk getting behind the wheel anyway.

The number of motorists caught drink driving across West Mercia has risen for the first time in five years, but police say they carried out more tests during December last year - 2,409 in total - and the percentage of those providing a positive breath sample has fallen slightly from eight per cent in 2010 to just below that figure in 2011.

Figures released last Friday (January 20) show the number testing positive after being involved in a crash has also fallen from nearly six per cent in Christmas 2009 to four per cent in 2011.

Despite the downward trend West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership say they are disappointed so many motorists continue to ignore the dangers of drink driving, particularly the under-25s who accounted for 40 per cent of all those who failed a breath test after being involved in a crash.

Vicki Bristow, communications manager for West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership, said: "Although the percentage drop isn’t large, it’s encouraging the number of positive breath tests we are seeing overall and after collisions is steadily reducing however, there are still a significant number of motorists ignoring the simple message that drinking or taking drugs and driving ruins lives.

"It’s worrying 203 people were arrested for driving under the influence of drink or drugs and that motorists think they can risk having a drink if they are driving, especially in areas where there are so many other options available. Our simple message to them is it’s not worth it."

Supt Lee Davenport, of West Mercia Police, added: "Despite our many warnings over the festive period and throughout the year, about not driving if you’ve had a drink, there are still far too many irresponsible drivers ignoring the devastating consequences that drinking and driving can cause for them, their family, friends and other road users.

"Anyone who drives after they have been drinking is gambling not only with their own lives, but also with the lives of their passengers and the lives of other road users. Enforcing the drink driving law is a year round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week activity for West Mercia Police and will continue to be a priority throughout 2012."