Shocking messages aim to prevent drink-driving

The figures reveal that, after 631 accidents over the Christmas period in Wales, 8.08% of drivers tested positive in breath tests, compared with 5.32% last year.

In Gwent, though, 80 tests were administered after road accidents, and 11.25% of them were returned positive.

This is nearly half the 23.21% recorded in the area during the 2000-1 campaign.

This decrease contrasts with the UK average, which has risen to 8%, and increase of 1% on last year.

Out of more than 15,000 drivers breath-tested across Britain after accidents between 18 December and 2 January, 8% were over the limit.

More tests

In Wales, North Wales Police recorded the most significant increase, with 9.33% of drivers testing positive after accidents, compared to 3.55% in 2000-1.

Meanwhile the results from South Wales Police rose from 5.24% to 6.59%, while they leapt from 3.89% to 6.29% in Dyfed-Powys.

In total, approximately 7,975 tests were carried out by police in Wales, compared to 6,006 last year, and showed an overall drop in positive tests.

We have noticed a worrying trend that points to more and more young drivers being tested positive

South Wales Police Sergeant Nigel Whitehouse

Of those tested, 346 drivers, or 4.33%, were over the limit, compared to 357 drivers, and 5.94%, last year.

Police around the country have still said the anti-drink-drive message is failing to register with many motorists.

"Our original impression that a hard core of drivers are continuing to drink more than is safe and hope they will not be caught is right," said North Wales Chief Inspector Terry Kellaher.

"Officers have been extra vigilant during this period and a large proportion of the community have been acting responsibly throughout Christmas and New Year," said Gwent Police Chief Inspector Peter Fouweather.

Action call

"However we still have a hard core of motorists who are ignoring the consequences of drink driving and don't take the matter seriously," he added.

Sergeant Nigel Whitehouse, Community Safety Traffic officer for South Wales Police, also pointed out a worrying trend in drink-driving among young people.

"We have noticed a worrying trend that points to more and more young drivers being tested positive," said Sgt Whitehouse.

"In South Wales last year, 40% of those tested for driving under the influence of alcohol were under 29."

The rise in UK figures has prompted road safety organisation Brake, to call for more action against drink drivers.

"It is atrocious that crashes resulting from drink-driving have gone up despite a decade of anti drink-driving campaigns," said Mary Williams, Brake's chief executive.

"The government needs to reverse this carnage by investing in high-profile, year-round enforcement and more campaigns," she added.