Drink drive warning being ignored

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MOTORISTS are continuing to ignore the dangers of drink driving as more than 70 have already been caught over the limit while behind the wheel since the start of December.

West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership say its annual warning is going unheeded despite a big publicity campaign and increased roadside checks by police.

The month long campaign began on December 1 and so far a total of 74 people have been arrested across West Mercia and Warwickshire for being under the influence of drink or drugs. Last year's campaign saw 203 people caught drink or drug driving across West Mercia alone and were up for the first time in five years, with the majority caught the morning after a night out.

This year's campaign challenges drivers to ensure they know what the limit is and the consequences of drink and drug driving.

Vicki Bristow, communications manager for West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership, said: "There are still people out there who feel they can gamble with drinking and driving and think they know how much the limit is but the simple fact is, there is only one way of being sure that you are safe to drive and that is not to drink at all."

Supt Lee Davenport of Warwickshire and West Mercia Police added: "Worryingly, and despite many warnings over the years about the dangers of drink/drug driving, there are still far too many reckless drivers ignoring the devastating consequences. We're urging people to think hard about the consequences that a collision could lead to."

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