PSNI to increase tests as anti-drink driving campaign launches
The PSNI has said it plans to increase the number of tests it carries out on drivers as it launches it's winter anti-drink driving campaign.
Last year, police undertook 16,000 tests, a massive increase on recent years due to relatively new legislation widening their scope for doing so.
Assitant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “As 357 people detected during our winter operation last year discovered to their cost, everyday tasks they’d taken for granted became much more difficult as a result of losing their driving license.
“This year, we are asking the public some sobering questions; What can you live without?’ Can you live without your driving license? Can you still do your job? Can you still care for your family?
"If you take the risk of driving after drinking, you can expect to be detected by police. You can expect to be prosecuted and lose your driving license.
"If you cause a collision in which someone is killed or seriously injured, you can expect a custodial sentence.
“The stark reality is that so far this year, 52 families across Northern Ireland are coping with the death of loved one because of a road traffic collision.
"As a result, there are drivers having to come to terms with the fact that their actions have caused a fatal collision.”
The operation, will runs through until January 1, and will feature road policing officers, local and neighbourhood policing teams working alongside TSG units across the country to set up authorised vehicle checkpoints and carrying out random breath tests.
Over the coming weeks, targeted operations will run day and night, and Police will coordinate road safety operations in border counties with colleagues from An Garda SĂochána Traffic Corp.
Assistant Chief Constable Todd continued, “Our message is clear.
"Never EVER drink and drive. Just one drink can impair decision making.
"Just one drink can cause a collision. Just one drink could kill.”
“We carried out nearly 16,000 preliminary roadside breath tests during last year’s operation – a 25% increase over the previous year.
"Our aim during this campaign is to test even more people, but have fewer detections.
“Any driver or motorcyclist stopped by police, whether for speeding, using a mobile phone, or committing any moving traffic offence can expect to be breathalysed.
"So too can anyone involved in a collision or who we suspect may have consumed alcohol or taken drugs.
“People going out to enjoy the festivities really need to put as much effort into planning how to get home safely, as they do planning their night out.
"Road users also need to make extra effort to look out for pedestrians who may have been drinking, in built up areas where they may suddenly step or fall into your path, or who may be walking along unlit rural roads during the hours of darkness."