Police plead with Derbyshire drivers to not drink or take drugs – as fatal crashes involving impaired motorists rise 400%

Derbyshire Police are urging those who have drunk or taken drugs not to get behind the wheel – with a huge spike in fatal accidents involving impaired drivers.
By Tom Hardwick
Published 10th Aug 2022, 12:51 BST
Updated 10th Aug 2022, 12:51 BST
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Derbyshire Police have revealed that, between January 1 and July 31 2022, there was a significant increase in drink and drug driving offences on the county’s roads.

In that period, there were 486 arrests for drink and drug driving – a rise of 21% from the previous year. There were also 77 collisions involving impaired drivers, in which someone was injured – an increase of 165% from 2021.

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Since the start of 2022, officers have dealt with five fatal collisions involving impaired drivers – which constitutes a rise of 400% from the year before.

Drink and drug driving offences are on the rise across Derbyshire.Drink and drug driving offences are on the rise across Derbyshire.
Drink and drug driving offences are on the rise across Derbyshire.

A Derbyshire Police spokesperson said: “Drink/drug driving is one of the biggest killers on our roads. Since January, we have seen a rise in all drink or drug drive offences.

READ THIS: Police seize car from unlicensed driver in Derbyshire town – who was on his way to court

“The message is simple, do not consider driving if you have had alcohol or drugs. Don't take the risk.”