BY NUALA MCALOON
Fermanagh drivers proved to be the worst offenders over the Christmas and New Year break with one in four motorists stopped by police found to be over the legal alcohol limit.
Police figures released this week for the Winter anti-drink drive campaign show an increase in the number of roadside preliminary breath tests and detections.
In all, 5,386 drivers were breathalysed in Northern Ireland, with 629 motorists caught drink driving, that number being slightly up on the previous year. It included two off-duty police officers.
In this PSNI District however, comprising Fermanagh, Omagh, Dungannon/South Tyrone and Cookstown, 911 drivers were screened with a whopping 244 people being detected.
Compared to the Winter 2006 operation, 951 additional roadside preliminary breath tests were performed overall during the most recent campaign. The detection figure is 20 more than last year, and it includes motorists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample.
Chief Inspector Ian Kennedy said drivers had to take responsibility for their actions, not only for their own sake, but also that of others.
"I'm encouraged by the level of commitment to detections by police officers in addressing the problem as the figures suggest that drink driving is a major problem especially at Christmas time.
"On the flip side of that coin I am disappointed that despite all the warnings and all the media campaigns about the consequences of drink driving, people are still prepared to take a chance with their lives and others. People need to take responsibility for their actions."
Dr John Porteous, the chairman of the Fermanagh Road Safety Committee, described the figures as 'disastrous'. He said he was very surprised at the number of detections locally.
"It is extremely disappointing that the people of Fermanagh haven't taken the road safety messages that we have been hearing over such a long period of time on board. People seem to be valuing their social life and enjoyment above the safety of themselves and fellow road users.
"People need to take their responsibility when they get behind the wheel of the car much more seriously.
"I know the figure stretches across the whole district, but there are no excuses that just because we live in a relatively rural area that we can drink and drive.
"There are plenty of taxis available in many of the towns and villages and, by now everyone knows the concept of the designated driver. People should always have arrangements in place for how to get home before they start drinking."
Meanwhile, announcing the figures, Assistant Chief Constable Roy Toner said that from the outset of the Winter campaign, police had reminded road users of their straightforward safety message.
"Drinking and driving kills, maims, wrecks families and communities. Our aim with this and every road safety initiative is to save lives and reduce injuries. That is why we ran operations day and night throughout the festive season, and not just during the weekends or key dates."
Mr Toner said the detections in every district across Northern Ireland were thanks to the determined efforts of local police who were supported by Road Policing Command Units and Tactical Support Groups.
Those caught he said, now begin 2008 with the prospect of going to court where they will almost certainly lose their driving licence.
"They should count themselves lucky. They could have lost their own life or destroyed the lives of others had police not stopped them.
"While we welcome the fact that the vast majority of right thinking people realise that drink driving is shameful and unacceptable, clearly there is still an irresponsible minority who ignore all advice and warnings. Whilst the current publicity campaign has ended, the detection of drink driving will remain a year-round priority for police."
He concluded with this message to all road users: "If everyone slowed down, did not drive after drinking or taking drugs, wore a seatbelt and drove with greater care and attention, then together, it will be possible to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads."
