Thousands detected drink driving

More than 3,800 people have been detected drink driving so far this year, police have said.

Speaking at the launch of the winter drink driving campaign ACC Roy Toner said the figures were frightening.

"During our winter campaign last year, 629 people were arrested for drink driving," he said.

"Each of these drink drivers is a potential killer. I am appealing for all motorists to consider the consequences of their actions."

At the launch, held in Belfast on Thursday, a new electronic breath testing device was unveiled.

In addition to indicating whether a driver has passed or failed the test the alcohol level detected will be displayed on screen.

The device also records and stores information which is then downloaded to a central computer system.

"Sadly, police officers regularly witness the results of drinking and driving. It kills, maims, wrecks families and communities, so I am appealing for all motorists to consider the consequences of their actions," said ACC Toner.