Young males are the most likely to drink and drive

In all but one of the police forces in the north-east of England and Cumbria, incidents of drivers failing a breath test following an accident went up.

Between 2002 and 2003, Durham Police's figures rose from 122 to 161, Cleveland Police's from 86 to 110 and Cumbria's from 92 to 116.

Only the Northumbria Police force saw a decrease from 271 to 266.

The Department of Transport compiled the figures for their Christmas anti drink-driving campaign.

'New drivers'

Penny Marshall, head of road safety for the Government Office for the North East, said despite the current stigma associated with drink driving, some people - particularly young drivers - were failing to get the message.

She said: "There are new drivers coming onto our roads every year as people hit the age of 17 and look to have their own licence and their own vehicle.

"Often it is younger drivers, sadly too often young males, who think they are somehow immune from this problem.

"There is no failsafe guide as to how to stay under the legal alcohol limit or how much you can drink and drive safely.

"The bottom line message is simple - if you are going out for a drink, then don't drive."