Over 1,400 people have been arrested by police in Northern Ireland on suspicion of drink or drug driving so far this year.
Police have released the new figures ahead of the summer anti-drink drive campaign.
In the coming weeks PSNI officers will be focusing their efforts on stopping drink drivers on our roads.
Chief Inspector Diane Pennington said: “While road safety remains a daily priority, over the coming fortnight, all police officers across Northern Ireland and the UK will be focusing on preventing and detecting drink driving.
“Already this year, despite our repeated warnings, we have arrested 1,426 people for drink/drug driving.
“Each of these people will soon discover to their cost, everyday tasks they’d taken for granted may become much more difficult as a result of losing their driving license.
“If you take the risk of driving after drinking, you can expect to be detected by police. You can expect to be prosecuted and lose your driving license,” she added.
“If you cause a collision in which someone is killed or seriously injured, you can expect a custodial sentence.”
CI Pennington says drivers and motorcyclists stopped for speeding, using a mobile phone or committing other traffic offences or involved in a collision “can expect to be breathalysed”.
Officers also have the power “to carry out breath tests at authorised vehicle checkpoints at key times of the day and night” following legislation first introduced in November 2016.
“We all share the roads, so we all share the responsibility for road safety. Slow down. Never drive after drinking or taking drugs,” added CI Pennington.
“Pay greater attention to your surroundings, and always wear your seatbelt. If everyone follows this advice, then together we can save lives on our roads.”
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