14-Year-Old Boy Among Those Arrested For Drink Driving

Over 300 drink drivers were detected by the PSNI over the festive period last year, with a 14-year-old boy among them.

The figure of 322 was down by more than 10% on the previous year, with the oldest person being 83 years old.

The winter anti-drink drive campaign ran from 30 November until 01 January and more than 11,000 people were tested during the operation.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said one of those drivers was detected at more than four times over the drink drive limit, with a reading of 153 mcg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath.

The legal limit is 35 mcg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath.

72 of the 322 people arrested were women, as compared to 49 out of a total of 360 during the previous campaign.

ACC Todd added: "At 14 years of age, the youngest person detected shouldn't have been on the road, let alone failing a breath test. This individual is being dealt with for a number of motoring offences including Taking and Driving Away."

In another scenario, a motorist was stopped by police at around 9am one morning for travelling at 101mph. He then failed a roadside breath test, with an initial reading of 101mg which is almost three times the limit.

£3000 worth of drugs was also seized from a vehicle after a driver was arrested for being under the influence of drugs.

ACC Todd continued: "Police will continue to use all the powers and legislation at our disposal, including the authorised checkpoints, to detect people who insist on driving after having taken drugs or alcohol. All motorists need to consider the consequences of their actions. Never take the risk of having even one drink if you are driving. The consequences can be catastrophic.

"With the continuing hours of darkness and ongoing winter weather, I want to renew our appeal to all road users and pedestrians to exercise caution and put road safety first. Drive in a manner appropriate for the conditions and make extra effort to look out for pedestrians and cyclists particularly along rural roads.

"Pedestrians and cyclists should wear bright clothing, reflective jackets or armbands where possible to ensure they can be seen. And pedestrians, where there is no footpath, should always walk on the right, facing towards oncoming traffic.

"If everyone slowed down, did not drive after drinking or taking drugs, wore a seatbelt and drove with greater care and attention then together we can save lives on our roads."



(JG/CM)