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ACPO summer drink and drug driving results
This year’s targeted summer drink and drug driving campaign, found the percentage of drivers to be over the legal alcohol limit had increased compared to last year.
Figures released today by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) show that although there were a smaller number of tests compared to last year, there was an increase of 8% who tested positive for driving under the influence compared to the year before.
A total of 88,629 people were stopped and breath tested during the month long campaign in June. Of those 5,373 (6.06%) tested positive, refused or failed a breath test. That compares to 5.6% during the same time last year.
The percentage of under 25 year olds that also tested positive continued to climb this year with an increase of 15% compared to 2010 figures– and the over 25 year olds who tested positive, refused or failed a test also rose by 7%.
The number of people who were tested for drugs increased by 30% from 259 to 337. This resulted in 122 arrests.
ACPO lead on roads policing Chief Constable Phil Gormley said:
“Whilst there has been a fall in the number of breath tests carried out in this year’s campaign the increase in the percentage of positive test shows that we are targeting the offending drivers more effectively. Once again, the figures clearly demonstrate that if you drink and drive you are significantly more likely to be involved in a collision and lose your licence. It is worrying that younger drivers continue to drink and drive and we will be redoubling our efforts to address this unacceptable behaviour.
“We have increased the number of tests we conducted to detect people driving under the influence of drugs and this is an area where we are working with Government to improve our capabilities through reformed legislation and procedures. We view this as an important area for casualty reduction and will continue to pursue motorists who drive whilst under the influence of drugs, endangering their fellow road users.”
ENDS
NATIONAL TOTALS | | | | |
| 2010 | 2011 | % CHANGE | |
Total breath tests administered NOT involving collisions | 83220 | 71957 | -13.53 | |
Total of those that were positive, refused or failed | 4287 | 3937 | -8.16 | |
% of total tested that were positive, failed or refused | 5.15 | 5.47 | 6.21 | |
| | | | |
Total breath tests administered FOLLOWING collisions | 17633 | 16672 | -5.45 | |
Total of those that were positive, refused or failed | 1365 | 1436 | 5.20 | |
% of total tested that were positive, failed or refused | 7.74 | 8.61 | 11.27 | |
| | | | |
Total number of collisions recorded | 22216 | 25911 | 16.63 | |
| | | | |
Total number of breath tests administered to UNDER 25s | 27147 | 21550 | -20.62 | |
Total of those that were positive, refused or failed | 1746 | 1594 | -8.71 | |
% of total tested that were positive, failed or refused | 6.43 | 7.40 | 15.01 | |
| | | | |
Total number of breath tests administered to 25 YEARS AND OVER | 68277 | 65295 | -4.37 | |
Total of those that were positive, refused or failed | 3620 | 3705 | 2.35 | |
% of total tested that were positive, failed or refused | 5.30 | 5.67 | 7.02 | |
| | | | |
Total number of FIELD IMPAIRMENT TESTS conducted | 259 | 337 | 30.12 | |
Total of those that resulted in a Section 4 arrest | 58 | 122 | 110.34 | |
% of total tested that resulted in a Section 4 arrest | 22.39 | 36.20 | 61.66 | |
Total number of Sec 4 Arrests NOT following a FIT test | 316 | 454 | 43.67 | |
Total number of Sec 4 arrests following a collision | 125 | 73 | -41.60 | |
| | | | |
Total Breath Tests | 100853 | 88629 | -12.12 | |
Total PFR | 5652 | 5373 | -4.94 | |
% PFR | 5.60 | 6.06 | 8.18 | |
For more information contact
The ACPO press office can be contacted via 020 7084 8946/47/48 (office hours) or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is an independent, professionally-led strategic body. In the public interest and, in equal and active partnership with government and the Association of Police Authorities, ACPO leads and co-ordinates the direction and development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In times of national need ACPO, on behalf of all chief officers, co-ordinates the strategic policing response.
ACPO’s 329 members consist of 242 chief police officers from the home forces of assistant chief constable rank (commanders in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) and above, plus 66 senior police staff members from the 44 forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Non home forces such as British Transport Police have 21 chief police officer members and there are three members from the Service Police.