A nationwide policing operation has revealed alarming statistics regarding drink- and drug-driving, with a significant number of drivers testing positive.
According to newly released data from the National Police Chiefs’ Council, 8,713 drivers tested for suspected drink or drug-driving during the last Operation Limit campaign were positive.
The figures demonstrate an increase in the use of roadside drug wipes compared to previous years, with 6,273 tests conducted in 2022 compared to 4,668 in 2021. Shockingly, 53.6% (3,361) of those drivers tested positive for drugs.
Additionally, a total of 52,667 roadside alcohol breath tests were carried out, and 10.2% (5,352) of motorists either tested positive for alcohol, failed the breath test, or refused to take the test altogether.
Further analysis of the data revealed that a majority of offenders who tested positive for drink or drugs were male, accounting for 79% of the total. Additionally, 77% of these individuals were aged 25 and above.
The Operation Limit campaign, a six-week initiative, took place from November 21, 2022, to January 1, 2023, as part of the annual crackdown on drink- and drug-driving during the festive season. Throughout this period, a staggering 66,014 vehicles were stopped and inspected.
Jo Shiner, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing, strongly condemned driving under the influence of drink or drugs, describing it as completely unacceptable saying, “Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is entirely unacceptable. It is one of the fatal five causes of road collisions that results in thousands of deaths each and every year.
“Every time someone makes the decision to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs they take their own life into their hands and risk the lives of many others. As police officers we see the pain and devastation experienced by individuals, families and communities who must deal with the awful consequences of those taking these selfish actions and we see it far too often.
“This is about personal responsibility and everyone must be accountable. It is not worth the risk and if you know anyone who is driving or intends to drive under the influence of drink or drugs, report them either to your local police or to Crimestoppers if you’d prefer to remain anonymous.”
