DORSET has one of the highest proportions of drink drivers for its population compared to the rest of the UK, figures have revealed.

The county’s police force has been ranked fifth in the UK for its rate of drink driving arrests.

Over the course of 12 months, officers arrested 849 people for the offence, with an average of 1.19 arrests per 1,000 people.

Police forces with a higher rate of drink driving arrests include West Yorkshire, Devon and Cornwall, Dyfed-Powys. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has the highest proportion, with an average of 1.65 arrests per 1,000 people.

The figures were obtained by car specialists Leasing Options, who used a series of Freedom of Information requests to uncover which constabularies recorded the highest number of arrests for drink and drug driving over 12 months.

The most recent national statistics released by the Department for Transport show that in 2015, between 180 and 220 people were killed in accidents where at least one driver was over the drink drive limit.

The total number of drink drive accidents rose by two per cent to 5,730 from 2014.

The latest available figures (July to September 2017) show that there were 8,315 Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme referrals in the three month period.

Commenting on the research carried out by Leasing Options, spokesman Mike Thompson said: “It’s shocking to see just how many adults are driving under the influence of drugs or drink. The rise in drink drive accidents across the country shows that this continues to be a huge issue on UK roads, while adding drug driving to the mix makes the figures even more alarming.

“We hope to raise awareness of how driving under the influence of even prescription drugs can put others at risk, and how UK drivers can help make the roads safer.

“Drivers need to take extra precautions and be aware when they may be over the limit. If you’re not sure, arrange a designated driver, leave your keys at home or book a taxi - driving under the influence really isn’t worth the risk.”

Dorset Police runs two annual drink and drug driving campaigns in a bid to raise awareness of the issue, as well as crack down on offenders. Their Christmas campaign saw 53 people charged with drink driving offences in one month.

A force spokesperson said: “Dorset Police is committed to tackling drink driving throughout the county. Our efforts include pro-active targeting of offenders, high visibility patrols and road checks to deter offenders, and management of drivers suspected of drink driving under the Operation Dragoon initiative.”