Drink driving linked to more than 20 crashes in Dorset last year
Brake is calling for a zero tolerance policy on drink and drug driving.
Drink driving was linked to more than 20 crashes resulting in death or injury in Dorset last year, new figures reveal.
Road safety charity Brake called the persistence of dangerous behaviour on the roads "deeply concerning" as it renewed calls for a zero-tolerance stance on drink and drug driving nationally.
Department for Transport data shows drivers or riders impaired by alcohol contributed to 21 crashes in Dorset in 2019.
The figures, which report contributory factors for incidents as recorded by police, also show eight people affected by illicit or medicinal drugs.
A driver or rider could be marked as being impaired by alcohol or drugs if police believe their behaviour directly caused or contributed to the accident, whether over the legal limit or not.
A total 550 incidents recorded in Dorset had contributory factors in 2019 – alcohol was linked to 4% of these, while impairment through drugs was reported in 1%.
Inspector Joe Pardey, of the traffic unit, said:
"There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel when over the drink and drug drive limit.
"Alcohol and illegal drugs impair reaction times and drink and drug driving is a significant factor in a number of fatal and serious injury collisions that we sadly have to attend.
"We are determined to take dangerous drivers who put themselves and others at risk off the road and will take action against all those who are found to be driving above the limit."
"We regularly run seasonal campaigns where we carry out increased roadside tests of motorists and our Op Dragoon initiative runs throughout the year, targeting motorists who are known to present an increased risk.
"If someone is drink or drug driving and the crime is in progress call 999.
"If you have any further information relation to anyone committing a drink or drug driving offence contact Dorset Police by visiting www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101."
Joshua Harris, Brake's director of campaigns, said the presence of drink and drug driving on the roads is concerning but "all too predictable".
He said:
"We know that any amount of alcohol impairs driving, and yet the Government persists with the highest drink-drive limit in Europe in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
"We urge the Government to introduce an effective zero tolerance drink-drive limit, providing much-needed clarity to all drivers that if you drink, you must not drive."
Transport committee MPs announced this month that they are considering a no-alcohol limit for new drivers under the age of 25 in a bid to curb the number of casualties on the roads each year.