Most people don’t like drink and drug drivers as they know they increase the dangers to others on the roads.  These concerns are real as each year, on average, 1,899 people are killed or seriously injured as a result of drink or drug driving.  In Warwickshire, drink and drug driving are factors in 30 deaths and serious injuries on our roads every year.

That’s why we are pleased to tell you that in the last two weeks 11 drink and drug drivers have been banned from the roads for a total of 20 years after appearing at Leamington Magistrates Court between 11 and 23 July. 

Three arrests were made because you the public called us to report the driver on 101 or in an emergency 999.  Thank you for taking responsibility when the driver did not.

Three arrests were made following collisions.

Whilst 41 is the average age of the 7 drivers convicted for drink driving related offences, the age of the 4 banned for drug driving offences is much younger at 25 years old.

Bans ranged from 12 to a 44 month ban given to a 38 year old woman from Rugby.

One man from Stratford-upon-Avon blew 131.  This is almost 4 times the legal limit of 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

As well as bans and paying fines, costs and victim surcharge, drivers may also be required to attend an Alcohol Awareness Course. 

These aren’t offered in the more serious cases. Instead drivers may receive a Community Order consisting of hours of unpaid supervised community work and where addiction is identified, an Alcohol Treatment and Rehabilitation Activity Requirement to help them break free of their addiction.  Those who cause death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs could receive a life sentence.

PC Keil Hetherington said “Any alcohol can impair your ability to drive.  The only safe option is to avoid alcohol completely if you’re driving – just one drink could put you over the limit. 

“Whilst enforcement and education are key in changing dangerous driver behaviours on our roads, for everyone’s safety, we need drivers to make the decision themselves not to drink or take drugs and drive and to encourage their friends and family to do the same. “

If you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, please seek help from Change Grow Live who offer a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for adults and young people in Warwickshire https://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-service-warwickshire/referrals