Drug and drink driving

To support this year’s winter drink and drug driving campaign Northamptonshire Police has released a new video which highlights the reckless and selfish choices some people make on our roads.

This is the second consecutive year the Force has produced a video using body worn footage from its Roads Policing Team of people arrested on suspicion of drink driving offences after failing roadside breath tests. You can read more about this years drink driving campaign here.

In 2023, after being involved in a road collision in Northamptonshire, 29 people tragically never returned home safely to their loved ones, and 271 required urgent medical assistance for serious and life-changing injuries.

Drink and drug driving is one of the main contributors in collisions and is one of the fatal five driving offences, alongside careless driving, not wearing a seat belt, excessive speed, and using a mobile phone whilst behind the wheel.

Each year, Northamptonshire Police launches its annual winter campaign in a bid to keep our communities and roads safer throughout December and to ensure that everyone gets home safely to enjoy the festive season with family and friends.

Last year, 972 people were arrested in Northamptonshire on suspicion of drink driving, and between January and October of 2024, a further 864 road users have been caught driving under the influence of alcohol.

The below video has been compiled using body worn footage from the Force's Roads Policing Team of people who have been arrested on suspicion of drink driving after failing roadside breath tests.

This includes one driver, who thought it was a good idea to drive home drunk, and when stopped by officers provided a reading of 108 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

This was a staggering three times over the drink drive limit, the video serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of being caught driving while under the influence of alcohol – which starts with a one-way ticket to police custody.

In fact, the reality of being convicted of driving over the alcohol or drug limit has a huge impact not only on the offender’s life, as they now have a new criminal record, but also on the lives of their loved ones and the wider community.

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

Although officers carry out breath tests throughout the year, there is always an increased risk of road users getting behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs after celebrating the festivities.

During last year's campaign, 97 road users were charged with driving while over the alcohol limit and 37 arrested for failing a roadside drug test.

On Sunday December 1, 2024, Northamptonshire Police launched this years month-long campaign. Find out more here.

To find out more about drink and drug limits, use the link below: