Drink-driving figures in West Midlands witnessed an increase over the party season this time round; with a total of 3,836 motorists on the region's roads having been breath-tested during the month-long period from between December 1, 2012 and January 1, 2013. The figures also show that 338 motorists either failed or refused to have their breath analyzed.

The notable number of motorists breath-tested during the mentioned month indicates that nearly 8.8 percent of the motorists stopped were over the limit; thereby marking an increase over the 2010 and 2011 figures of 8.5 percent.

Moreover, according to force statistics, the mentioned month-long period also saw an increase in the proportion of young motorists getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol; with nearly 100 of the 783 below-25 motorists who were tested found to be over the drink-drive limit.

In addition, force statistics also showed that more than one in every seven motorists who were involved in a collision during the period had got on with the driving of their vehicles after having consumed alcohol.

Terming drink driving is an issue "all year round not just during the Christmas period," and noting that the officers have been asked to pull over "any motorists suspected of drink-driving, Inspector Greg Jennings said: "We will deal with offenders firmly and, as ever, the message is think before you drink before you drive."