145 held for drunk-driving in pre-Christmas surveillance

Police detained 145 people on charge of drunk driving during the intensified, nationwide pre-Christmas traffic surveillance carried out last weekend, said a police press release.

The police breathalysed 36,260 drivers during the weekend. A total of 31 of the stopped drivers were wanted by the police.

The number of drivers caught drunk-driving was at the same level as during the corresponding surveillance exercise last year.

Breathalyser patrols were targeted at evening and night-time ‘Christmas party’ traffic in particular.

“ Through such surveillance and the related communications, the police aim to prevent serious drunk driving accidents,” said Chief Superintendent Timo Ajaste of the National Police Board.

Enhanced surveillance will continue nationwide during the forthcoming weekend.