Police were out in force at checkpoints nationwide on Friday (18th Dec).
The checkpoints were intended to raise awareness of the increasing Police concern at the rise in driving under the influence of drink or drugs. Police Districts throughout the country report large numbers of drivers processed with the highest in the larger metropolitan centres.
Superintendent Paula Rose, the National Manager - Road Policing says that while most people are very careful about driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, we need to continue to keep the pressure on all road users to behave responsibly.
The figures available so far are provisional but they show that:
Approximate number of vehicles stopped: 40,000
Number of positive evidential breath tests: 104
Vehicles Impounded: 23
Total Arrests: 32
"In Police, we are not prepared to wait while people die; we know that our presence on the road has a significant deterrent effect and we want to maximise it.
We will continue to be out in force over the whole country and we will apprehend anyone we find driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs - no matter who they are."
'We need to share the roads with care and we want make them as safe as we can this Christmas," said Superintendent Rose.
ENDS
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