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Drinking and Driving in Loughborough
Posted on 23/12/2007
P. Klein
A total of 88 motorists have been caught drink driving since the start of Leicestershire Constabularys Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign.
However, officers say many more drivers when breathalysed are giving an indication of alcohol, although they are still legally under the limit.
Sergeant Terry Gee from the Road Policing Unit said: "During the last few days officers from the Road Policing Unit have carried out two random checks in Loughborough and Leicester, one between 3.30am and 5am and the other between 6.45am and 8am. Over 130 vehicles were stopped.
"Although only one motorist was arrested, it was very disappointing to see that a high percentage of drivers gave an indication on the breath test machines that theyd consumed alcohol, although they were under the limit. This clearly shows that people are willing to risk drinking and driving.
"It takes less than you might think to become a drink driver. It depends on the amount and type of alcohol you are drinking as well as your weight, age, sex, metabolism and stress levels. The only failsafe way to stay under the legal alcohol limit is to not drink at all.
"If youve been out drinking, it is also worth remembering that you might still be over the drink drive limit the next day. This Christmas and New Year officers will be stopping and breathalysing motorists at all times of the day and night. We are not trying to spoil peoples fun, we are just urging drivers to be sensible so that they, and other road users, stay safe over the festive period."
The legal limit in the UK is 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. However, even the smallest amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely. The effects can include slower reaction times, poorer judgement of speed and distance and a reduced field of vision. Alcohol has the effect of messing with your perceptions and makes you feel over-confident and more likely to take risks when driving, all of which increase the danger to all road-users including yourself.
Since the launch of Leicestershire Constabularys Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Drive campaign on December 1 to midnight on Wednesday December 19 a total of 784 motorists have been breathalysed with 88 being found over the drink drive limit. Of those 34 were under the age of 25.
Random checks were carried out on drivers on the A512 in Loughborough on Saturday December 15 between 3.30am and 5am and on Hinckley Road in Leicester on Thursday December 20 between 6.45am and 8am.
Leicestershire Constabulary is encouraging anyone with information about people who are drinking or driving to report them to police by calling (0116) 222 2222 or Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.