PSNI reveal drink-driving arrests

Police have arrested 137 people in the first two weeks of their winter drink drive campaign.

Author: Naomi HollandPublished 20th Dec 2017

That's an increase of five people on last year's figures at the same stage and shows the extent to which Northern Ireland struggles with the issue.

Chief Inspector Diane Pennington says that while it shows the campaign is catching people, it is incredibly disappointing that it is happening in the first place.

She says that it's shameful and incredibly dangerous.

And of course the message from the police is that if you're thinking about having even one drink and then driving, set the glass down and don't bother.

“When we launched this operation just over a fortnight ago, we warned drivers not to take the risk because we would be carrying out breath tests at authorised vehicle checkpoints day and night across the country.

“It’s disappointing that despite our warnings, there are still people who completely disregard the safety of themselves and others by continuing this shameful and incredibly dangerous practice. We should not be detecting anyone drink driving."

The senio officer said one drink can affect your driving ability, and even lead to someone losing their life.

“Our message is very simple; Never EVER drink and drive. Just one drink can impair your decision making. Just one drink can cause a collision. Just one drink could kill.”

“Road Policing officers, local and neighbourhood policing teams and our TSG colleagues are determined to catch those people who take life-threatening, unacceptable, and simply stupid risks.”

“Do not take the risk. The consequence of taking just one drink can be catastrophic.”

The campaign will continue right through the Christmas period, with officers having the power to stop anyone and breathalyse them