North Yorkshire Police arrested 100 drivers on suspicion of drink or drug driving offences in the first 22 days of their annual festive crackdown.
The number is the same amount as last year’s campaign with ten days still to go.
Police say 19 of the arrests this December have followed a road traffic accident.
A quarter of the arrests were over the weekend – with 25 arrests from Friday through to Sunday.
So far, 52 of the arrests have been drug related in some way.
Other facts from the campaign so far include:
- On average, those arrested on suspicion of drink driving have provided a reading of nearly twice the legal limit at 68mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath
- And a total of five drivers have provided readings of over 100mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – the limit being 35mg
- The highest reading so far was a 64 year-old man from Bradford who was almost four times over the limit with 136mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath and is due at court at the end of the month
- Two people have been arrested three times, and a further two people have been arrested twice so far during the campaign, on suspicion of drink or drug driving offences
Police say their specialist road traffic officers (North Yorkshire Police Roads Policing Group) will be out across the county 24/7 looking out for the tell-tale signs of drink and drug driving to help keep people safe over the festive period.
A force spokesperson said: “Anyone who gets behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs is not only put themselves at risk, but also innocent people going about their daily lives.
“Don’t start the New Year without a licence. But more importantly, don’t be the reason that a family receives the devastating news that they’ve lost a loved one this Christmas at the hands of a drunk or drug driver.
“32 of those arrested have now been charged to court, six have been released with no further action and the remaining drivers have been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue.”
One of those charged to court has since received a 24 month driving ban, curfew and rehabilitation order.
“Help us keep our roads safe all year round. If you know someone who regularly drinks and drives, please call us on 101,” the spokesperson added.
“If you see an offence happening or about to happen, please report it on 999 immediately.”
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