NEARLY 300 drivers were arrested during a week-long crackdown on drink/drug drivers in West Yorkshire.

The Force supported the national coordinated drink and drug driving enforcement campaign which ran from Monday, 22 August to Sunday, 28 August.

In total there were 278 arrests, including 126 for driving/attempting to drive/being in charge of a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs, 81 for driving/attempting to drive/being in charge of a vehicle whilst unfit through drink and 71 arrests for failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

Chief Inspector Claire Patterson said: “This is a phenomenal number of arrests. Every one of these drivers is now facing losing their license and potentially their jobs because of their choice to get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.

“No matter how good a driver you think you are, the reality is that drink and drugs impair your ability to drive and by driving under the influence you are putting yourself and other road users at risk.

“Sadly, five people on average are killed on UK roads every day and many more seriously injured.

“During this week of action we have highlighted the arrests that we have made, but be assured we are taking reckless and dangerous drivers off the roads all year round.”