Number of Christmas drink and drug-driving arrests drop compared to last year (From Dorset Echo)

Number of Christmas drink and drug-driving arrests drop compared to last year

12:30pm Wednesday 9th January 2013 in News

THE number of arrests made by Dorset Police during a Christmas drink and drug-driving campaign has fallen sharply compared to last year.

A total of 100 people were arrested during the campaign which ran from Saturday, December 1 to Tuesday, January 1.

There was a 25 per cent reduction in arrests compared to last year’s campaign, where 133 people were arrested.

Of the 100 people arrested during this year’s campaign, 79 were men and 21 were women.

More than half of all the people arrested were between 25 and 50 years of age.

During the Christmas campaign there was an increase in traffic patrols and roadside checks.

Every driver involved in a collision was breath tested. Traffic Sergeant Joe Pardey said: “It is encouraging to see that the number of drivers risking their lives, and the lives of other road users, by choosing to drink and drive over the festive season has reduced.

“Most of the motorists stopped were very supportive of the officers’ actions and fully supported the campaign to reduce road casualties.

“The message seems to be getting across to the people of Dorset that drinking and driving is dangerous and just not worth the risk.”