A total of 55 people have been convicted of drink driving related offences over a six week period by Dorset Police as part of a summer crackdown.
Dorset Police announced in June that anyone charged with a drink driving related offence during the campaign would have their name and photograph published.
In total, 64 people were charged with drink-drive related offences. To date, of the 55 people who have been convicted – 36 were men and 19 were women, with the average age being 34.
652 breath tests were carried out by officers during the summer campaign, which ran between 1 June 2018 and 16 July 2018.
During the whole of 2017, 924 people were arrested for testing positive for alcohol, refusing to provide a breath test or failing their test by blowing over the legal limit.
As in previous years, the summer drink drive campaign saw officers breathalysing all drivers involved in collisions, stopped while committing a moving road traffic offence and anyone suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Police Constable Heidi Moxam, of the Alliance Roads Policing Unit, said: “I am disappointed that there are still motorists who clearly think they are above the law and are willing to risk getting behind the wheel after having a drink.
“Four people died on our roads last year as a direct result of drink drivers. That’s four unnecessary deaths. Four times when we had to tell relatives a loved one would never be coming home.
“Too many people fail to consider the devastation that drink driving can cause. Alcohol impairs many of the functions necessary for safe driving – slowing reactions and significantly reducing spatial awareness. Drink driving poses a significant threat to other road users and we aim to send out the message that these offences will simply not be tolerated. Having a second drink doubles the risk of a driver being involved in a fatal collision.
“Dorset Police utilised targeted social media and billboard messaging to promote anti drink-drive messages this year and we will continue to educate drivers about the consequences of their actions.”
Inspector Joe Pardey, of the Alliance Roads Policing Unit, said: “This campaign saw officers targeting suspected drink drivers following information provided to the force by the public and I’d like to thank those who phoned in with information.
“If someone is caught drink driving, they will face a minimum 12-month driving ban, a criminal record, up to six months in prison and a fine. They risk being involved in a collision, which could result in serious or even fatal injuries, putting innocent lives at risk.
“I urge anyone who suspects someone is driving under the influence to call 999 immediately so police can intercept or call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 with non-urgent information.”
