 Police say they are "very disappointed" by the rise |
The number of drivers who failed roadside breath tests after crashes in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight over the Christmas period has risen. Thirty-seven people failed breath tests out of the 474 who were tested by Hampshire Constabulary after being involved in collisions.
In 2002, during the same period, 32 out of 659 people tested after collisions were arrested.
That is a rise from 4.8% to 7.8%, a trend which police have described as "very distubing".
Police say that in total 197 people were arrested as a result of drink-driving compared to 188 in 2002.
'Worrying trend'
The force's casualty reduction manager Sergeant Steve Wakeford said: "I'm very disappointed by these figures.
"What's worrying now is that it appears drink-driving is an increasing trend.
"Similarly, what is just as worrying is that the highest percentage of people arrested were in the 16 to 24 age bracket and, overall, 46% of offenders were under 30-years-old.
"What will it take to get these people to understand the dangers they present?"
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