NEARLY one in four Dorset motorists who were breath- tested were over the legal drink-drive limit, shocking new statistics have shown.

Out of 7,622 drivers breath-tested on the county's roads between April 1, 2003 and March 31, 2004, 1,729 gave positive readings.

During the same period 41 people were killed or seriously injured on the county's roads where drink or drugs played a factor - a rise of 28 per cent on the previous year's figures.

The statistics have horrified road safety officers who are determined to hammer home the "don't drink and drive" message in the run-up to the Euro 2004 football tournament which kicks off on June 12.

County road safety officer Neil Fitch said: "The figures are staggering. It effectively means that nearly one in four of those who were breath- tested was positive.

"Nearly one in seven of all deaths on the road involve drivers who are over the legal limit."

Even a single drink will affect driving performance and judgement, he stressed, making it harder to judge distances.

"Despite the myths, you cannot calculate your alcohol limit. There is no fail-safe guide as to how much you can drink or stay under the limit," he added.

"At twice the legal limit you are at least 50 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision."

Dorset police are planning to circulate anti drink-drive posters to local pubs before Euro 2004.

First published: May 25