Tests show drop in drink drug drivers

The joint Warwickshire and West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership have reported a one percentage drop for four to three per cent between December 2011 and December 2012 of those who tested positive in breath tests following a collision.

The overall percentage of positive breath tests has also shown a decrease from 163 people, who refused to give a test or tested positive for drink or drugs in December 2012 - four per cent of those breathalysed, compared to six per cent during the same period in the previous year.

Figures from the partnership indicate that, over the past three years, 18 people lost their lives in Warwickshire and West Mercia and 171 were seriously injured following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.

The forces conducted 5,425 breath tests during the month as part of a nationwide winter drink drive campaign being run by the Association of Chief Police Officers, but senior officers say the clampdown on drink and drug driving will continue throughout the year.