NEARLY 6,000 drink-drivers were caught in the West Midlands last year.
New Freedom of Information data obtained by Confused.com reveals 5,632 drivers over the limit behind the wheel in 2019.
And according to recent research, more than two-fifths of drivers in the region are planning on heading to the pub to celebrate the further lifting of lockdown measures – raising fears for a spike in drink-driving offences.
Drink-driving figures in the region could be set to grow year on year if the current trend continues.
From January to April this year, 1,621 motorists were caught drink-driving – close to the 1,785 figure for the same period last year despite the country going into lockdown.
Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com, said: “I’m sure for many of us, the chance to meet up with friends in pubs and bars is a welcome relief after many months of lockdown measures.
“But as we ease out of one risky situation, we don’t want to put ourselves in danger of another. With our research showing that many in the West Midlands planning to drink will be driving as part of their post lockdown celebrations, we need to clue up on the drink-drive laws, as there is a steep price to pay when putting yourself and others at risk.
“It’s quite simple – if you’re drinking, don’t drive. If you’re driving, don’t drink. And don’t think you’re out of the woods the morning after, as it’s a prime time for drink-drivers to get caught. It can be confusing to know how long we need to wait before driving, but our alcohol consumption calculator helps estimate when you could be safe to drive. But when in doubt, don’t drive!”
