Police issue warning to drink drivers after arresting 100 people since January

Police are reminding motorists not to drink and drive after they arrested more than 100 people in Sunderland and South Tyneside since the beginning of the year.
A woman being breathalysed.A woman being breathalysed.
A woman being breathalysed.

Officers want to drive home the dangers, to make people think twice before getting behind the wheel after they have had a drink, as it is one the four main causes of serious injury and death on the roads.

Known as 'the fatal four', the three other main causes are speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and the driver being distracted.

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Southern Area Command Superintendent Sarah Pitt said: "The safety of our communities is our utmost priority and we will do as much as possible as we can to help keep them from harm.

The drink drive message is an important one - alcohol effects people's judgement and people make impaired decisions or lose their focus and we have all seen the consequences of this when they then get behind the wheel.

"People who drink and drive are not just putting their own lives at risk but they are putting the lives of people in the car with them and other road users - whether they are other motorists, pedestrians or cyclists. Drink driver's are a danger to others on the road.

"Our message is simply if you are going to drink, don't drive."

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Police are also reminding motorists they may still be over the limit the morning after.

Supt Pitt added: "If you have had a lot to drink the night before you could still be over the limit the next morning.

"If you know you have to drive the next morning make sure you drink responsibly the night before, if you're in any doubt you could be over the limit then don't drive."

Northumbria Police continues to run Operation Dragoon which is the force's road safety campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of road safety and taking enforcement action against those who cause the most harm on the region's road.

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Motor Patrols Chief Inspector John Heckles said: "Northumbria Police has already made it clear that drink driving will not be tolerated and the Operation Dragoon team are committed to put a stop to it.

"We know the vast majority of drivers are sensible but we will continue to target those who decide to chance it and take a risk. Anyone found in charge of a motor vehicle and over the limit will be arrested.

"New legislation brought in last year means offending drivers are more likely than ever before to be caught by police and all Northumbria Police officers have been trained and briefed to take full advantage of this new power.

"The Operation Dragoon team will continue to work with local neighbourhood teams to gather intelligence on persistent offenders and put them before the courts.

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"Information from those within our communities is vital to identifying those flouting the law so if you suspect anyone of drink driving then call the police."

To report a drink driver ring Northumbria Police on 101 - in an emergency and if life is at risk ring 999.