Lancashire drivers warned not to drink and drive as figures show police breath tests double in December

Drivers in Lancashire are more likely to be breath-tested this December than any other region of England apart from Northamptonshire, Hampshire and Thames Valley.
By Phil Cunnington
Published 26th Nov 2020, 15:45 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Analysis of Home Office data by AlcoSense Breathalysers shows that in December last year, Lancashire Police stopped 1,770 motorists suspected of drink driving.

That’s double the number of breath tests in the quietest month, which was September.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thirteen per cent of the Lancashire motorists tested last December were found to be over the limit – a total of 225 drivers.

New figures have shown a steep rise in the number of breath tests carried out by Lancashire Police in December (Picture posed by model)New figures have shown a steep rise in the number of breath tests carried out by Lancashire Police in December (Picture posed by model)
New figures have shown a steep rise in the number of breath tests carried out by Lancashire Police in December (Picture posed by model)

Hunter Abbott, MD of AlcoSense Laboratories, said: “We might be going to fewer Christmas parties this year, but several studies show that people have been drinking more alcohol during lockdown.

“This increase has been driven by job uncertainty and pandemic anxiety, fuelled by the rise in at-home drinking where measures are more generous than a pub or restaurant.

“This trend makes it more likely that people may get behind the wheel and drive with alcohol still in their system the next morning. Even a small amount of alcohol slows reaction time, inhibits judgement and reduces concentration – increasing the likelihood of accidents.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lancashire Police carried out 12,733 roadside breath tests throughout 2019 – of which 2,004 were either positive or refused.

Nationally there were 8,860 injuries last year due to a driver being over the limit, including 240 deaths.

Support us and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.