Summer drink and drug driving figures revealed

Summer drink and drug driving campaign results suggest that if you offend in Devon and Cornwall you’re twice as likely to get caught compared to the national average.

Figures from the recent summer drink and drug driving campaign show that in Devon and Cornwall the percentage of drivers tested that were positive, failed or refused a reading is just over twice the national average in almost all measures, with an average of around 21% compared to 10% nationally.

Devon and Cornwall Police take an intelligence-led approach to tackling drink and drug driving.  The results suggest this approach is effective, with fewer tests being administered with an increase in criminal justice outcomes.

Officers will actively target hotspots and use their local knowledge to get drink and drug drivers off the roads of Devon and Cornwall.

Inspector Richard McLellan from the roads policing team said: “We’re pleased that our efforts are effective in catching and preventing these selfish drivers from causing harm to other road users.  It is still disappointing though, that so many people still choose to ignore the law and put themselves and others at risk of harm.  The consequences can be devastating.

“We will continue to target potential drink and drug drivers throughout the year.  The dangers of drink or drug driving are real and we urge everyone to be responsible.  Think twice before getting behind the wheel.  Drink or drug driving is a selfish decision that can ruin your life or someone else’s.”

Throughout the month-long operation, drivers were tested if they were involved in a collision or if stopped for an offence.  Routine stop checks were also carried out.

If you suspect that someone is driving while unfit to do so, please report it immediately on 999 if they pose imminent danger or for non-urgent matters email 101@dc.police.uk or call 101.  Alternatively phone it through anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Positive, refused or failed – stats

Youngest person: 15 year old girl – failed to provide reading at Torquay custody

Oldest person: 75 year old man – reading twice the legal limit at Camborne custody

Average age: 36 years old

Male / Female ratio: 83% male and 17% female

Higher proportion of under 25s – typically on average is between 30-40%

19 of 156 positive, failed or refused tests were under 20 years old