Drink drivers fail to heed warning

10:30am Sunday 27th July 2008

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Drivers are continuing to get behind the wheel drunk, despite a flurry of police adverts warning them of the dangers.

According to official figures by the Hertfordshire Constabulary, 75 people were arrested for drink or drug driving in Hertfordshire, which equates to seven per cent of all those stopped either failing or refusing a breathalyser test.

Of the 15 Field Impairment Tests (FIT) carried out, which determines whether a person’s ability to drive is impaired, 11 people were caught out and arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive.

Chief Inspector Nigel Brown, from the Strategic Road Policing Unit, said: “Traditionally year on year in Hertfordshire we see a decline in the number of people caught driving while under the influence of alcohol, so I’m disappointed to see that, although many make the right choice, a certain number are still continuing to drink or take drugs and then drive.”

If a motorist is found to be driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, they could face a minimum 12-month disqualification, as well as a fine and/or imprisonment.

The punishment for causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs now carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment and a disqualification for at least two years.

Chief Inspector Brown added: “There is simply no excuse for drink driving- this national campaign lasted a month, but I’d like to assure drivers we will continue, day in and day out, to enforce this unacceptable crime across Hertfordshire.”

For more information, visit the Campaign Against Drink Driving (CADD) www.cadd.org.uk.