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TTC publishes 'shock' drink drive figures

Almost a third of convicted drink drivers fall into the DVLA 'high risk offender' category, according to Telford Training Consultants (TTC).

The high risk offender category was introduced to deal with drivers whose apparent alcohol dependency poses a risk to road safety.

A survey by TTC, a provider of drink drive education courses for offenders, showed that more than 30 per cent of convicted drink drivers had drunk a 'considerable' amount before getting behind the wheel. When they were caught they were found to be more than two and a half times over the legal limit - putting them in the high risk category.

Others had either refused or failed to give a breath, blood or urine sample, which also put them in the high risk category.

"Many people do not realise that if they are well over the limit, fail to provide a specimen, or commit two drink driving offences within 10 years, then they fall into the high risk category," said TTC Group director Jenny Wynn.

"This means they do not automatically get their driving licence back at the end of disqualification. They have to go through a rigorous medical with blood tests taken to calculate possible liver damage. If it is proven that they are dependent on alcohol they will not get their driving licence back automatically."

The 'snapshot' survey, conducted in April 2005, showed that out of 1,034 convicted drink drivers attending a rehabilitation course, 324 were either high risk or repeat offenders.

For more information contact Jenny Wynn at TTC on (01952) 292246.