Drive drink and drug free - getting the message across

AS national drink drive figures are released, local figures still show a low percentage of those providing a positive breath test.

In West Mercia 136 people either refused to give a test or tested positive after being breath tested between 10th June to 10th July 2016 with an additional 82 people failing within Warwickshire.

This equates to nearly 10 per cent of the total number breathalysed across that period. An additional 93 people in West Mercia and eight people in Warwickshire also failed the new roadside drugs test as part of the campaign.

As well as enforcement activity the consequences of being caught driving under the influence were highlighted across social media and local radio advertising took place across the region.

The advertising campaign supported the national month long enforcement campaign that was launched on 10th June by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC). The annual summer campaign was run slightly later this year to tie in with the Euro 2016 football.

Over the past three years, 117 people have been killed or seriously injured in West Mercia and 84 in Warwickshire as a result of collisions involving drink or drugs.

Inspector Gareth Morgan for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police said: “It’s encouraging that the majority of drivers would never think of risking driving after drinking alcohol and the message appears to be getting through. However, there are still irresponsible drivers thinking they can risk it, ignoring the devastating consequences that this can cause for them, their family, friends and other road users. I welcome that we now have both the testing ability and legislation in place to tackle those people who drive under the influence of drugs. We continue to use an intelligence led approach to remove these motorists from the road. Enforcing the drink and drug drive law is a year round commitment for both Forces and this remains a priority for us throughout 2016 and beyond”.