Drink driving is still a problem

Results from a summer drink-driving blitz suggest drivers are continuing to climb behind the wheel after boozing, according to frustrated police.

A total of 3,646 motorists were breath-tested between June 1 and July 1 by officers across the Thames Valley as part of a national crackdown on drink-driving.

Of those pulled over, 327 drivers (nine per cent) were arrested, including those who refused to give a sample of breath.
By comparison the summer 2007 campaign saw 15 per cent of drivers tested give a positive breath test and Christmas 2007 saw 14 per cent of drivers test positive.

Supt Mick Doyle, head of roads policing, said: "Nearly one in 10 drivers stopped by police during this campaign gave a positive breath test.

"It is extremely disappointing that some drivers are still choosing to ignore our warnings and think it is acceptable to put their lives and the lives of other road users at risk."

A total of 1,108 drivers were tested after crashes, and 84 of these tested positive.
A total of 871 under 25s were breathalysed, with 85 young drivers testing positive. Of the over 25s 2,775 were tested and 242 drivers tested positive.