Road safety partnership says well done to North Yorks
drivers

'95 Alive', the North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership, congratulated North Yorkshire drivers following the release of national figures which show that the rate of drink-drivers in the county is well below the national average.

The number of people arrested for drink-driving or refusing a test during the seasonal anti drink-drive campaign stood at just 2.7% of all tests, compared to the national average of 5%. And the rate is also lower than at the same time last year.

This is despite a 52% increase in the number of breath tests administered by North Yorkshire Police, with 4,378 people being tested from 1 December 07-1 January 08.

Chris Anderson, Chairman of the '95 Alive' road safety partnership, said: "This year's drink-drive campaign was our largest ever in North Yorkshire and I'm delighted that it's worked so effectively. The message has clearly got through to drivers and I'm pleased that the majority have heeded the warning. There is absolutely no excuse for drink-driving and most motorists realise that it's just not worth taking the risk.

"On behalf of '95 Alive', I'd like to thank both the media and the public for their support in helping to make our roads safer over Christmas and the New Year. It's resulted in a much happier festive season for everyone, not least for my colleagues in the Emergency Services who are on the frontline in dealing with the affects of drink-driving."

The message has clearly got through to drivers and I'm pleased that the majority have heeded the warning

Chris Anderson - '95 Alive'

North Yorkshire Police arrested 119 people for drink-driving or refusing to take a test compared to 151 last year. 38% of these were young male drivers aged 18-27, with a further 20% aged 28-37.

Deputy Chief Constable Adam Briggs said: "Through our hard-line roads policing campaign, 'Operation Helical Two', we've kept the pressure up on the minority of drivers who persist in putting their lives and those of others' at risk. I'm pleased that most motorists in our county have heeded our warnings. However there were still over 100 motorists who thought the rules might not apply to them - and are paying the price through the courts.

"I'm also concerned that such a high proportion are young male drivers. We will continue to work with the '95 Alive' partnership to both educate drivers and enforce the law. Our aim is to save lives and dangerous driving will not be tolerated in North Yorkshire. Road Safety is, and will continue to be, one of North Yorkshire Police's highest priorities."