THE results of a Christmas clampdown by Cheshire Police reveal motorists are becoming immune to the warnings over drink and drug driving.
This year’s Christmas drink and drug drive campaign saw an increase of almost 8% in the number of positive breath tests.
The problem of drug driving was also highlighted with 16% of all those tested being arrested for driving while impaired by drugs.
Inspector of road policing Brian Rogers said: “The risks taken by those who drink and drug drive are extremely high. The effects from drinking alcohol or taking drugs can considerably change a person’s ability to drive safely.
“Alcohol and drugs affect vision, make it difficult to judge speed, time and distance and impair co-ordination skills.
“Those who drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs not only put themselves at risk, but their passengers and innocent bystanders.
“This is something that we will not accept and will challenge any driver we feel is breaking the law.”
Figures show that both young and old alike are not heeding the police warnings, with a quarter of over 25s and 23% of under 25s stopped during the campaign providing positive breath tests.
Insp Rogers added: “These findings demonstrate that many motorists are choosing to ignore the seriousness of their actions when they take the decision to drink or drug drive.”
