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Police conducted a territory-wide anti-drink driving operation during the festive season (December 22, 2009 to January 4, 2010). Upon the conclusion of the operation at 5am today (January 4), 189 roadblocks and snap checks were mounted and a total of 4,160 drivers were required to conduct random breath tests (RBT) resulting in the arrest of 23 drivers.
In addition to the RBT operations, Police arrested another 25 drivers for drink driving during this period in which 14 were involved in traffic accidents, and 11 were seen driving erratically.
When compared to the past three years, the figures for drink driving arrests and accidents involving drink driving between December 18 and January 4 of the following years are as follows:
Total Drink Accidents Involving
Driving Arrests Drink Driving
2006-07 80 2
2007-08 101 4
2008-09 136 7
2009-10 56 (28) 2
( ) indicates number of arrests made in RBT operations between 2009-12-18 and 2010-01-04
Since the introduction of the new legislation on February 9, 2009 up to January 4, 2010, the Police have conducted random breath tests on 40,893 drivers and 287 drivers were arrested.
Motorists are reminded not to drive after consuming alcohol. Offenders will lose their licence for at least three months on first conviction and may be fined $25,000 and be imprisoned up to three years.
Drivers are reminded that they may not be insured if they are convicted for drink driving offences.
Police Report No. 3
Ends/Monday, January 4, 2010
Issued at HKT 22:51
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