A DRIVER who failed a breathalyser test after crashing his Audi on the M6 at over 100 mph was among 95 people arrested during a month-long police crackdown on drink and drug driving in Warwickshire over the festive season.
The motorist lost control of his car on the M6 northbound near junction 2 on December 16. The car crashed into trees off the hard shoulder, leaving one of the passengers with a broken rib.
During Operation Limit, 74 drivers were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving.
The vast majority of those arrested were men. The youngest was 18 and the oldest was 80.
One driver provided a roadside breath test reading of 141 – four times over the legal limit.
The public assisted officers in 13 drink and drug driving related arrests.
Sgt Simon Dalby said: “While the vast majority of drivers do not drink or take drugs and drive, this operation shows that there are still a dangerous few who continue to think it is ok to risk their own life and the lives of other people by doing so. This is not acceptable.
“Those arrested will now have the opportunity to consider the consequences if found guilty in court. Those convicted will have a criminal record that could affect their job prospects and ability to travel to certain countries. Sentences can include fines and driving bans.
“We target suspected drink and drug drivers every day of the year because we know the biggest deterrent to drink and drug driving is being caught and punished.
“We are also very grateful to the public, CCTV operators and partner agencies such as National Highways who all played an important role in highlighting individuals they suspected may be driving or about to drive under the influence.”
Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership Philip Seccombe said “The high number of suspected drink and drug drivers arrested shows how important it is for officers to continue their enforcement activities throughout the year.
“For our roads to be safer we need to continue to push behaviour change messages so that drink and drug driving is regarded by everyone as completely unacceptable. It’s therefore very encouraging to see so many of the public getting involved and reporting people they suspect of driving under the influence so that police can take the necessary enforcement action.”
