Motorists are being reminded of the dangers of drink drug driving following the latest national figures which show that the number of people being convicted has risen considerable over the last ten years.
Ministry of Justice statistics show convictions for driving a motorvehicle under the influence of drink or drugs overall, increased from 41,457 in 2014 to 58,117 in 2022 – a rise of 40%.
Detective Inspector Steve Kilsby, Head of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Leicestershire Police, said, “People who drink and or take drugs (whether illicit or prescription drugs taken without heading the cautions in the guidelines) and drive, place themselves, their loved ones, other road users and pedestrians at grave, avoidable risk.”
“Following our similar campaign last winter over 170 drivers will have started the new year with a drink drug drive conviction.”
“Just because you haven’t been out at the pub – drinking at home can still leave you over the limit, including the morning after, can I remind drivers not to put themselves and others at risk by choosing to have None for the Road.”
“Drivers should be aware that Leicestershire Police patrol 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week to challenge drink drug drivers and bring them before the courts.”
If you see someone who appears to be a drink or drug driverenter a vehicle to drive away, make a note of the registration plate and the direction of travel and call your local police on 101 or make a make a free and anonymous call to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.