NEARLY 200 people were killed or injured whilst involved in drink driving incidents on Cumbria’s roads in a 3-year period, according to new figures.

196 people were killed or injured by drivers who either failed a breathalyser test or refused to take one from 2018-2020.

This figure makes up 5 per cent of the total number of casualties on Cumbria’s roads – higher than the national average of 3.6 per cent.

The new figures have come as Cumbria Police are preparing to launch their summer anti-drink and drug driving campaign on Monday ahead of an expected crack down.

“If you fail the alcohol or drug testing, you will face the consequences,” said Cumbria Police’s Chief Inspector Gill Cherry.

“Make sure your friends and family are aware of the dangers and the potential consequences.

"Please call the police if you suspect someone of drink or drug driving. Your call could save their life or the life of another innocent road user.’’

The number of people killed or injured in Cumbria due to drink driving fell by almost 15 per cent from the 2017-19 figures, with some suggesting the fall is due to the Covid lockdown.

Nationally, 14,018 people were killed or injured in a drink driving collision between 2018 and 2020 leaving the Campaign for Drink Driving to say that there are 'many people who need to be educated about the perils of drink and drug driving.'

Chief Inspector Gill Cherry gave a final warning "Please don’t get behind the wheel. If you are going out book a taxi, get public transport or have a designated driver who’s not drinking to take you home.

“If you do get behind the wheel you are putting others and your own life at risk of serious injury or death."

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