Police arrest five people for driving while unfit over bank holiday weekend

Police in Belfast have arrested five individuals for driving while unfit due to alcohol or drugs over the bank holiday weekend, underscoring their ongoing commitment to tackling dangerous driving behaviours as part of the PSNI’s Fatal Five campaign.

The arrests, made across various parts of the city, highlight the severe risks posed by driving under the influence, one of the five main causes of road traffic collisions in Northern Ireland, collectively known as the Fatal Five.

These include drink or drug driving, speeding, careless driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone while driving.

Belfast Superintendent Finola Dornan condemned the actions of those arrested, stating:

“It is unacceptable that drivers continue to risk not only their own safety, but that of other road users.” She added, “As these arrests evidence, our officers will be actively seeking to arrest those who make the reckless decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs. Just one drink can kill. We are active in our efforts to prevent harm by arresting these drivers and bringing them before the courts.”

Weekend Incidents and Arrests

The arrests followed a series of incidents across Belfast, with police responding to reports of collisions and erratic driving.

In the early hours of Sunday, 25 May, a two-vehicle collision occurred in the Nansen Street area. No injuries were reported, but a 20-year-old man suspected of driving one of the vehicles was arrested and charged with driving with excess alcohol, alongside other driving-related offences.

He appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 26 May.

Later that evening, just before 9:55pm, a 42-year-old man was arrested in the Clifton Street area after being reported for driving while intoxicated. He has been charged with driving with excess alcohol and is scheduled to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23 June.

At around 10:15pm on Sunday, officers attended a two-vehicle collision in the Divis Street area. While no injuries were reported, the incident caused damage to both vehicles. A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving while unfit, and additional driving-related offences. He remains in custody as investigations continue.

Early on Monday, 26 May, at approximately 12:25am, patrol officers in the Upper Knockbreda Road area noticed a vehicle being driven without lights. The 55-year-old male driver was arrested and charged with driving with excess alcohol. He is also due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23 June.

Finally, at around 3:20am on Monday, a 35-year-old woman was arrested in the Oxford Street area after officers observed her driving erratically. She has been charged with driving with excess alcohol and possession of a Class B controlled drug and is set to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 19 June.

All charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service, as is standard procedure.

The Fatal Five: A Persistent Road Safety Challenge

The PSNI’s Fatal Five campaign aims to raise awareness of the five primary causes of road traffic collisions, which claim lives and cause serious injuries every year.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a leading factor, with devastating consequences. According to the PSNI, alcohol and drugs can cause drowsiness, impair vision and perception, and affect coordination, significantly increasing the likelihood of a collision. Those caught drink driving face a potential driving ban of at least 12 months.

Other Fatal Five behaviours include speeding, which reduces reaction time to road conditions; careless driving, a significant cause of collisions due to momentary inattention; failing to wear a seatbelt, which increases injury risk in crashes; and using a mobile phone while driving, which can lead to a £200 fine and six penalty points.

For newly qualified drivers, accumulating six points within the first two years can result in an immediate driving ban.

The PSNI urges drivers to take responsibility for their actions on the road. Superintendent Dornan reiterated, “Just one drink can kill,” emphasising the zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving.

Road Safety Advice for Drivers

To avoid becoming a statistic, the PSNI advises drivers to adhere to the Fatal Five guidelines:

1.  Never drink or take drugs before driving – Even small amounts can impair your ability to drive safely.

2.  Slow down – Respect speed limits to give yourself time to react to hazards.

3.  Stay focused – Avoid distractions, especially mobile phones, which can lead to catastrophic consequences.

4.  Wear a seatbelt – It’s the law in Northern Ireland and significantly reduces injury risk in collisions.

5.  Drive with care – A moment of inattention can have lifelong consequences.

For more information on the Fatal Five and how to stay safe on Northern Ireland’s roads, visit the PSNI’s dedicated road safety page.

A Call to Action

The recent arrests serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence. With the bank holiday weekend drawing attention to road safety, the PSNI continues its proactive efforts to remove dangerous drivers from Northern Ireland’s roads.

By adhering to the Fatal Five principles, drivers can help ensure that everyone arrives home safely.

If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, contact the PSNI immediately to report it.