198 drivers caught drink and drug driving

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Thursday, 6 January 2022 09:24

West Mercia Police confirmed that 198 motorists had been caught for the offences since the start of the a Christmas and new year awareness campaign.

Local figures show some motorists across West Mercia are still willing to risk mixing drinking or being under the influence of drugs with driving.

Through proactive enforcement, 148 people were arrested for drink driving within West Mercia during December. An additional 96 people failed the roadside drugs test.

Included within these figures are 52 collisions that occurred through December within West Mercia where the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Figures indicate that over the past three years, 43 people have died and 215 have been seriously injured in West Mercia following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.

Superintendent Gareth Morgan for West Mercia Police comments: “Cracking down on those who take drugs or drink and then drive is a year round commitment for West Mercia Police. The majority of people on the roads are behaving responsibly, however these results over the last month indicate that there are still people out there who think it is acceptable to risk mixing drinking or taking drugs with driving, ignoring the devastating consequences this could have to themselves, family, friends and other road users.

“Despite all the warnings, 244 motorists are now starting the new year facing a court hearing, losing their licence and a fine. Enforcing the drink and drug drive law will remain an important part of our roads policing throughout the year as we strive to make our roads as safe as we possibly can, removing those from our roads that continue to think they are above the law.”