129 arrested in drink drive crackdown

129 arrested in drink drive crackdown

One hundred and twenty nine people have been caught drink or drug driving in the first 16 days of this year’s festive drink drive crackdown.

Since 1 December 2013 officers across Greater Manchester have carried out 3223 breath tests, which saw 129 people arrested for testing positive or refusing/failing the test.

Thirty two people tested positive following a collision while 97 were caught by officers carrying out breath tests at drink drive check sites or while out on patrol.

Last month Greater Manchester Police launched it’s ‘None for the Road’ campaign in conjunction with DriveSafe and Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service.

Events took place in MediaCity, Stockport and Wigan to hammer home the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith said: “The figures show that there are still far too many people risking their life for the sake of a drink.

“Our priority is to save lives and officers will continue to target people they suspect may be driving under the influence of drink or drugs, both on the way home from a night out and in the morning after.

“The message is simple – if you are having a drink then leave the car at home. Don’t ruin your Christmas, or somebody else’s because of something that could have been easily avoided.”

Group Manager Stuart Millington said: “We welcome this crackdown on drink drivers and are right behind Greater Manchester’s Police’s None for the Road campaign.

“Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service rescues more people trapped in vehicles after crashes than from fires.

“Everyone likes to celebrate during the festive period, but drinking and driving is a deadly mix which can have devastating consequences.

“Our firefighters cut people out of vehicles every day and often they have life changing injuries. Please don’t be one of them – don’t drink and drive.”

Karen Delaney, communications officer at DriveSafe, said: “With all the socialising that the festive season brings, there can be an increased temptation for people to drink and drive. Of course we want people to have a Merry Christmas, but this initiative is all about warning people about the consequences of getting ‘merry’ behind the wheel.

“It’s impossible to calculate a ‘safe’ level to drink and then drive, so if you are the ‘designated driver’ on a night out, you should always avoid drinking any alcohol.

“Alcohol takes a long time to work its way through your system, so we want to discourage people from driving the morning after and also refuse travel with anyone who has been drinking.”