'The levels of detections are shocking': 14-year-old child arrested for drink or drug driving during PSNI’s winter road safety campaign
A 14-year-old was among nearly 300 people arrested during the PSNI’s winter campaign against drink/drug driving.
Figures released from the police show that 288 people were arrested for drink or drug driving from December 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026. Last year’s figure was 300.
Whilst 14-years-old was the youngest age detected, the highest was 82-years-old during that period.
The highest detection was 172μg/100ml – almost five times the legal limit of 35μg/100ml.
Police say there was an average of nine arrests made each day during the winter anti-drink/drug drive campaign.
During the same campaign, preliminary figures show that almost 5,700 excess speed offences were detected by the Road Safety Partnership and the PSNI, while police officers recorded a further 35 for not wearing a seatbelt and 75 offences of using a mobile phone while driving.
Responding to the findings, Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson, said: “Despite our repeated appeals, and road safety efforts, the level of detections are shocking. All of these drivers made a conscious decision to drive in the way they did. Their selfish and reckless actions placed themselves, their passengers and all other road users in danger.”
In 2025, 56 people died on Northern Ireland’s roads. To date, this year, four people have died on roads in the province.
“These are more than statistics,” says Chief Superintendent Donaldson. "These deaths are catastrophic, devastating losses for loved ones left behind, for their friends and communities.
"Our roads are busy places and all road users and motorists share the responsibility for road safety. Poor driving, bad decisions behind the wheel – it’s all preventable.
"My appeal to everyone is before you start your road journey, take a moment to think about the responsibility you have driving. Think about your safety, that of your passengers and of all other roads users.”