Fifth of young drivers tested in Staffordshire fail drink breath test
Almost a fifth of young drivers breathalysed by police in Staffordshire during a month-long crackdown were over the alcohol limit.
Under-25s were targeted in the special operation. A total of 309 in that age group were tested, resulting in 52 being arrested, giving a 17 per cent failure rate.
However, the wider picture was more encouraging. A total of 1,010 roadside breath tests were carried out over the month, with 136 failed tests, an improvement on the same month last year, which saw more arrests from a smaller sample –151 failures out of 926 drivers breathalysed.
Hundreds more drivers were also stopped and given advice by officers, both verbally and through leaflets.
Police say under-25s are 'statistically likely to take more risks' on the roads. They particularly targeted young daytime drinkers attending barbecues and weekend events.
Sgt Robert Gilligan, of Staffordshire Police's road policing team, said: "Drink or drug driving can have devastating consequences. It is against the law, anti-social and ruins lives and families. This targeted campaign has been well-received.
"We stopped a large number of people, providing them with road safety advice and information leaflets. Any driver suspected of consuming alcohol, or committing a traffic offence, was required to give a breath test."
He warned drink-drivers face being banned from driving for at least 12 months by the courts. The same penalty can apply to a driver who refuses a test.
Sgt Gilligan added: "Not all those drivers arrested during the campaign will end up in court.
"Some may have passed the second, evidential test at the police station."
