DRINK and drug drive numbers in Warwickshire over Christmas have been described as “encouraging” by police chiefs.
In the county 43 people either refused to give a test or tested positive after being breath tested during December – five per cent of the total 803 drivers breathalysed.
And an additional 13 people in Warwickshire also failed the new roadside drugs test as part of the campaign.
Warwickshire Police Ch Con Martin Jelley said: “The percentage of those motorists testing positive for alcohol or drugs is low and this is encouraging, showing that the message is getting through.
“However there are still irresponsible drivers thinking they can risk drinking and driving or driving under the influence of drugs, ignoring the devastating consequences that this can cause for them, their family, friends and other road users.”
Over the past 3 years, eight people were killed and 81 seriously injured in Warwickshire following crashes where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.