Lancashire drivers warned not to drink and drive as figures show police breath tests double in December
and live on Freeview channel 276
Analysis of Home Office data by AlcoSense Breathalysers shows that in December last year, Lancashire Police stopped 1,770 motorists suspected of drink driving.
That’s double the number of breath tests in the quietest month, which was September.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThirteen per cent of the Lancashire motorists tested last December were found to be over the limit – a total of 225 drivers.
Hunter Abbott, MD of AlcoSense Laboratories, said: “We might be going to fewer Christmas parties this year, but several studies show that people have been drinking more alcohol during lockdown.
“This increase has been driven by job uncertainty and pandemic anxiety, fuelled by the rise in at-home drinking where measures are more generous than a pub or restaurant.
“This trend makes it more likely that people may get behind the wheel and drive with alcohol still in their system the next morning. Even a small amount of alcohol slows reaction time, inhibits judgement and reduces concentration – increasing the likelihood of accidents.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdLancashire Police carried out 12,733 roadside breath tests throughout 2019 – of which 2,004 were either positive or refused.
Nationally there were 8,860 injuries last year due to a driver being over the limit, including 240 deaths.
Support us and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.