West Mercia drink drive figures revealed
The number of people providing a positive breath test during a recent drink drive enforcement campaign has remained low in the West Mercia area.
In West Mercia 128 people either refused to give a test or tested positive for drink or drugs over December 2014, just 3.2 % of those breathalysed. This compares to 3.3% of those tested over the region during the same period in 2013 and 4% in December 2012, showing an encouraging downward trend.
Posters, beermats and other material was targeted at local pubs and clubs throughout the region designed to make people think about the consequences of drink or drug driving and additional advertising took place on local radio, mobile advans and bus backs.
The advertising campaign supported the national month long winter drink drive enforcement campaign that was launched on 1 December by the Association of Chief Police Officers.
Figures indicate that, over the past 3 years, 110 people were either killed or seriously injured in West Mercia following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor. An additional 469 suffered slight injuries.
Superintendent Lee Davenport of West Mercia Police comments:
“Although the drop isn’t big, it’s encouraging that the percentage of motorists testing positive is decreasing, showing that the message is getting through. However despite our many warnings over the festive period and throughout the year there are still far too many irresponsible drivers thinking they can risk drinking and driving, ignoring the devastating consequences that this can cause for them, their family, friends and other road users. Enforcing the drink driving law is a year round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week activity for West Mercia Police and will continue to be a priority throughout 2015.”
