Car owners news
19/08/2011
Drunk motorists risk lives and insurance
There has been an increase in the number of drivers putting their lives and car insurance in jeopardy by taking road trips while under the influence of drink and drugs, according to the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).
The influential organisation revealed that 5,375 (6.06%) of the 88,629 motorists who were asked to take a breathalyser test during June 2011 were either found to be over the limit, refused to be tested, or didn't manage to give a breath sample.
ACPO say they have conducted fewer tests in 2011, than in 2010, but have caught more people driving above the legal alcohol limit.
The ACPO lead officer on roads policing claimed that these results prove that "we are targeting the offending drivers more effectively."
As part of the crackdown on law-breaking drivers, the police also intensified their efforts to stop motorists under the influence of drugs. A considerable number of people, including many with cheap car insurance, were found to have taken illegal substances.
The ACPO spokesperson said, "We have increased the number of tests we conducted to detect people driving under the influence of drugs and this is an area where we are working with Government to improve our capabilities through reformed legislation and procedures."
In related news, a man who crashed his Peugeot 307 while four times over the drink drive limit has been told to prepare for a prison sentence by a judge at the Bury Magistrates' Court. It seems unlikely that he will ever obtain cheap car insurance or even be allowed to drive again.