Almost 2,000 drink-driving arrests in first half of year in North

Nearly 2,000 people have been arrested for driving while under the influence of drink or drugs in the North during the first six months of the year.

The total – 1,946 – was revealed today as the Police Service of Northern Ireland launched operation SURGE, its summer anti-drink driving and road safety operation.

“These figures are frightening. It is absolutely unacceptable that there is a minority of people in Northern Ireland who still insist on driving after having taken drink or drugs.

“Each of these drink drivers is a potential killer,” said Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland.

He added: “Sadly police officers and our emergency service colleagues regularly witness the results of drinking and driving. It kills, it maims, wrecks families and communities, so I am appealing for all road users to consider the consequences of their actions.”

He urged motorists to think about the consequences of their actions and asked how they would feel if their selfish actions resulted in a member of their family being paralysed or an innocent person being killed.

He warned: “If you drink and drive you are likely to be caught, arrested and brought before the courts. You will almost certainly lose you licence for one or more years, will be fined and will have a great difficulty in obtaining car insurance in the future.

“You also risk losing your job or going to jail.”

Environment Minister Edwin Poots supported the campaign with the message that one drink was too much.

“From the very first sip alcohol will affect your driving, so the decision is simple – never ever drink and drive,” said the minister.

Mr McCausland also urged all road users to be on their guard against the increased number of children using or crossing roads now the school holidays have started.

He also reminded parents and guardians to reinforce road safety messages among children.

So far this year 59 people have lost their lives on the roads – 11 more than at the same time last year.