ACPO Releases New Statistics

A road accident lawyer at Irwin Mitchell believes that more needs to be done to tackle the problem of drink and drug driving.  Newly released figures show that there were a worryingly high number of arrests for these offences in the run up to Christmas.

Statistics compiled by the Association of Chief Police Officers have revealed that 6,600 people were arrested in relation to the offences during a month-long campaign throughout December 2010.

It was found that the number of people found to be under the influence was 13 per cent lower than last year, though police forces linked a reduction in the number tested to the bad weather seen across the period.

Stephen Nye, a road traffic collision claims specialist at Irwin Mitchell who regularly advises those serious injured as a result of drink or drug driving, said that whilst huge efforts have been made through campaigning and police initiatives, many drivers are still not getting the message.

He explained: “While a reduction is welcome, 6,600 is still a frighteningly high figure which needs urgent attention.

“Drink and drug driving has a devastating impact on so many lives every year. We regularly provide help to those who have suffered life-changing injuries as a result of the failure of other drivers to be responsible on the roads, as well as to the families of those killed in such incidents.

“This problem simply cannot be allowed to continue and I urge authorities to focus as much energy as possible on raising awareness of the dangers in order to prevent further deaths and serious injuries.

“I would also like to urge other motorists to think carefully when getting behind the wheel, for the sake of both themselves and other drivers on the roads.”