Despite the closure of pubs and bars, North Yorkshire Police made nearly 40 arrests on suspicion of drink driving in the first month of lockdown.
Issuing a joint statement, senior police and fire officers reminded people that they’re just as likely to kill someone if they get behind the wheel after drinking at home.
Between January 4 – the first day of lockdown, and February 4, officers arrested 39 motorists in connection with drink driving offences, including several who failed to provide a sample for analysis.
In the same period, officers arrested 51 people in connection with drug driving.
Superintendent Emma Aldred, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “I am truly shocked and astounded at the number of people found to be under the influence of alcohol despite pubs and bars being closed to drinkers under the lockdown rules.
“This is a stark reminder that having a few alcoholic drinks at home could lead you to still being over the limit the following morning and being unfit to drive.
“It genuinely is not worth running the risk of causing harm to yourself and others and positive action will be taken against those found committing these offences.
“Drinking at home can mean you easily lose track of how much you have had, there are no measures or as much cost to drinking from home which is clearly appealing to most.
“Either way, the consequences are the same. You’re just as likely to be arrested, charged and end up with a driving ban and criminal record. And you’re just as likely to kill someone if you crash.
“There are no excuses, no second chances. It’s that simple.”
The North Yorkshire force runs several operations and campaigns every year that focus on drink and drug driving, and have made some progress. Arrests have fallen over the last 5 years with 871 last year compared to 1,000 in 2016.
2020 saw emergency services deal with several fatal and serious-injury collisions where alcohol was involved. In December alone there were 29 collisions which led to the driver’s arrest on suspicion of drink or drug driving.
Group Manager Dave Winspear, from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Every year, we as a fire service, see the consequences of drink driving at incidents we attend.
“The impact it has is not only on those involved but also on the emergency services who are called to assist.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
