POLICE in Fermanagh are appealing to road users to keep our roads safer this year.
The message comes as new figures reveal that there were 33 people arrested in the Fermanagh and Omagh district after being detected drink driving during the PSNI’s 2017/18 Christmas anti-drink drive operation – a rise of one compared to the same period last year.
Officers were out in force across the county over the period from December 1st to January 1st, conducting early morning breath tests as part of the crackdown on drink-drivers.
In a message to local road users this week, Enniskillen-based PSNI Inspector Rory Hoy said officers shouldn’t be detecting anyone drink driving.
“We all know the dangers. No one should think it is acceptable to drive under the influence of drink or drugs. It’s disappointing that despite our warnings, there are still people who completely disregard the safety of themselves and others by continuing this shameful and incredibly dangerous practice. Just one drink can impair ability to drive,” he said.
“Many also risk losing their jobs or going to jail. The alternative consequences had they not been caught do not bear thinking about. Each one of these drink-drive detections has potentially saved lives.
“Police will continue to detect people who insist on driving after having taken drugs or alcohol. We are again appealing for all motorists to consider the consequences of their actions. Just do not take the risk of having even one drink if you are driving. The consequences, as police officers and our emergency service colleagues witness first hand, can be catastrophic.”
Meanwhile, the number of deaths on the North’s roads fell for the fourth year in a row in 2017. A total of 63 people lost their lives on the roads last year and among the fatalities were six in Co Fermanagh.
Inspector Hoy says police want to continue their work keeping our roads safe throughout 2018.
“We’re asking all road users to work with us to reduce the numbers of killed or seriously injured on our roads and share the responsibility to keep our roads safe this year. If everyone slowed down, did not drive after drinking or taking drugs, wore a seatbelt and drove with greater care and attention then together we can save lives on our roads,” he added.
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