Scores of South Yorkshire motorists fail drink and drug driving checks over Christmas

Officers carried out roadside breathalyser and drug checks during a two-week period over the festive season in a bid to save lives.

They stopped 1,184 vehicles and of 1,120 motorists checked for drink driving, 100 failed.And of the 64 drug tests administered, to check for the presence of cannabis and cocaine, 30 drivers failed.Roads Traffic Officer Bruce Yacomeni said: “Drink and drug driving can have devastating consequences on people’s lives.“We are committed to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while under the influence of drink and drugs and take action against those who pose a risk to themselves and other road users.“We arrested 130 people out of 1,184 vehicles stopped. This shows that nearly 11 per cent of drivers were under the influence and believed it was still appropriate to get behind the wheel of a car - this is not acceptable.”Of the tests undertaken, 102 of them were conducted following a collision and 28 drivers either tested positive or were arrested for failing to provide a specimen of breath.Ten drug tests were carried out following collisions and four of those drivers tested positive.PC Yacomeni added: “We will continue to support these campaigns and raise awareness how a single decision can have life-changing consequences and in severe cases, loss of life.”“Although the figures are shocking I would like to praise the majority of drivers in our communities who continue to help keep our roads safe.”