Police will breath test every driver involved in collisions (From Witney Gazette)

Police will breath test every driver involved in collisions

8:02am Monday 4th December 2006 in Witney By Jo Duckles

DON'T drink alcohol before you drive or you could end up in hospital or behind bars.

That is the message of the annual Christmas drink-drive campaign launched by police in Oxfordshire on Friday.

Last week, the Gazette revealed how there have been 56 deaths on the county's roads so far this year, compared to 40 during the whole of 2005.

The police advised motorists to switch off mobile telephones before getting behind the wheel, and to wear seatbelts.

Last year's Christmas drink-drive campaign saw a drop of in the percentage of motorists testing positive from 20.6 per cent, in 2004, to 12.5 per cent, in 2005.

Thirteen per cent of people breathalysed at the scene of collisions were found to be over the legal limit.

A total of 168 people were tested in Oxfordshire, with 21 recording positive tests.

The year before, 48 people were found to be over the limit, after 233 tests were carried out.

Supt Mick Doyle, of Thames Valley Police roads policing department, said: "We want to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on our roads.

"We can only achieve this with the help of drivers acting responsibly.

"People who drink and drive put themselves, their loved ones, and other road-users at risk.

"This is not just a seasonal problem over Christmas, drinking and driving happens all year round.

"We carry out roadside breath tests throughout the year, and will test every driver involved in collisions, regardless of the time of day and whether they have been drinking or not. If you are driving, don't risk other people's lives, don't drink."

All drivers who provide a positive breath test, or who refuse or fail to provide a breath test, facing losing their licence for at least 12 months.

They could face a fine of up to £5,000, or go to prison for six months.

The campaign has been launched in association with the Department for Transport, the Association of Chief Police Officers, and the Drinkaware Trust.

The Drinkaware Trust is a national organisation, which aims to reduce alcohol misuse and alcohol-related harm.

Supt Doyle urged anyone who knows someone who is drinking and driving to call the police, on 08458 505505, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.