Booze blitz catches 1 in 10

Police officers in the county have so far pulled over 420 drivers for roadside breath tests.

Of those tested, 38 – nine per cent – were over the limit. The campaign, led by the Association of Chief Police Officers, started on July 30 and will run until September 2. Les Dyble, of Staffordshire Police's traffic management unit, said: "July and August have been bleak months on Staffordshire's roads."

He said a teenager had died and four other children had been seriously injured in collisions on Staffordshire roads in the past two months.

Seven young drivers, aged between 17 and 24, had also been involved in serious collisions where either the driver, a passenger or a pedestrian had been killed or badly injured.

Mr Dyble said: "We are urging all road users and pedestrians to do what they can to stop this appalling trend.

"It's very concerning that so many drivers have been caught drink driving, and that they've chosen to put themselves and others at risk.

"Alcohol consumed by drivers, riders or pedestrians is a factor in many of the collisions on the county's roads which result in death or serious injury.

"Other causes include pedestrians crossing roads in dangerous places, and drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.

"Many motorcyclists exercise poor control of their bikes, take unnecessary risks and carry out dangerous overtaking manoeuvres," he added.

"Death and serious injury resulting from collisions bring heartache and major personal issues to those involved and their families. The loss of young life is of particular concern.

"The school holidays aren't yet over, and there's a bank holiday to come. It is essential that people put road safety first."

"Life is precious. We need road users to drive and ride safely and legally, and pedestrians and cyclists to use whatever facilities are provided for their safety."

Drivers who drink or take drugs risk an automatic driving ban for at least a year. They can also be fined up to £5,000 and jailed for up to six months.