Drink-driver numbers down

North Shore Police were out in force again over the weekend targeting alcohol impaired drivers as part of their continuing efforts to reduce road trauma.

Operation Distil, a combined drink-drive operation involving North Shore Police Traffic Units and the specialised Traffic Alcohol Group, saw a total of sixteen alcohol checkpoints conducted on the North Shore over Friday and Saturday night.

The operation, which involved around 40 Police staff, resulted in the breath testing of 9268 drivers, 52 of which were found to be over the legal limit. Of the 52 processed 17 drivers elected to have blood tests, the results of which will determine whether or not they face charges.

Compared to a similar drink-drive operation on the North Shore earlier this year, these results show a decrease in the number of intoxicated drivers on the road, however the number of people driving drunk is still too high.

Senior Sergeant Shanan Gray said the weekend blitz was a continuation of previous combined drink-drive operations, and although the numbers show a decrease, Police will continue to run these types of operations until the message around drink driving sinks in. 'Despite the radio and television campaigns warning motorist about the dangers of drink-driving, a proportion of drivers still take that risk'
The message is clear says Senior Sergeant Gray, 'if you drink and then drive you risk your own life, the lives of your passengers, not to mention other innocent road users'. 'There are always other options available', says Senior Sergeant Gray, 'including, taxis, public transport or arranging a sober driver at the start of the night'.

During the operation Police also saw a significant reduction in intoxicated drivers under the age of 20, with only 3 detected over both nights, however one of the under 20 drivers blew five times over the legal limit.
Senior Sergeant Gray says, 'We operate on the strategy of anytime, anywhere, so if you drink and drive you can expect to be stopped by Police'.