Twelve drivers arrested on suspicion of drink driving in just three days

If you’re planning to have an alcoholic drink this summer then have a great time, but please leave your car at home – that is the message from Northamptonshire Police following a dozen arrests across the county over this weekend (June 10-11).

Of those arrests, seven drivers were charged with driving a motor vehicle when the alcohol level was over the prescribed limit and a further three were charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

All 10 drivers have been bailed and are due to appear before Northampton Magistrates’ Court over the next few weeks, and if convicted, will earn themselves a criminal record which could have a huge impact on their lives.

In fact, drivers who cause a death while driving under the influence of drink or drugs face up to 14 years’ imprisonment. If they’re fortunate not to be involved in a collision, if caught, they risk up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban.

Additionally, The Institute of Advanced Motorists calculate that a drink or drug drive conviction could cost up to £70,000 because of fines, solicitors fees, increase in the cost of car insurance and losing a job.

Chair of the Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance and Superintendent of Northamptonshire Police Operations, Jen Helm, said: “Working alongside our partners, we will not let up our focus to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on our roads.

“Every partner round the table sees first-hand the misery and pain that road harm causes. It is not just the victims who suffer, the consequences ripple out to their families, dependants and certainly the offender.

“Most people thankfully have no concept of how appalling these consequences are but be assured they are horrendous, they don’t stop, there is no reset button. No one wants to get that terrible knock on the door to tell them someone they love is not coming home.

“It’s not about stopping summer fun. It’s about stopping a selfish minority being reckless and irresponsible on our roads. So, the message is simple - make the right choices this summer and never drive when you’ve had a drink.”

Tragically in 2022, after being involved in a road collision in Northamptonshire, 36 people never returned home safely to their loved ones, and 347 required urgent medical assistance for serious and life-changing injuries.

However, officers across the county carry out breath tests throughout the year and following the launch of the Force’s Roads Policing Team, there are additional patrols policing the road network, increasing the chances of getting caught.