BY the end of Christmas Day, a total of eight people had been arrested and charged with drink driving.
Two other people had samples taken for further analysis and one person suspected of drink-driving provided a sample which was under the limit.
By Christmas police had carried out more than 340 road side checks.
Inspector Derek Flint said the figures were similar to previous years and it was disappointing to see some people persisted in offending.
‘We are disappointed with the actions of some people who are putting the well-being of others at risk,’ he said.
‘There is still some time to go before the end of the campaign, which finishes on January 2.
‘These figures for those arrested and charged should stand as a stark warning to others who have any notion of drinking and driving.
‘They should consider not just the cost to themselves but also the wider consequences of going out and injuring or killing someone.’
The campaign this year follows the same format as last, using pub and restaurant style specials boards which list the penalties that can be imposed for drink driving as well as the alternatives to driving, such as taking the bus or a taxi.
The campaign was launched jointly by the Isle of Man police and the government’s Department of Infrastructure in early December at the Sea Terminal.
The campaign advises drivers of the consequences of a drink-drive conviction and the ways to avoid it by catching a bus, taxi or getting a designated driver, who hasn’t been drinking to drive.
This year’s campaign, like last year’s, advertises special offers, with this year’s drinking and driving specials on offer being a 12-month driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000 and a free criminal record.
Last year there were 13 arrests and nine people were charged with drink driving.
During the previous year’s festive drink-drive campaign there were 20 arrests and 10 people were charged with the offence.
Inspector Flint said statistics were currently roughly on a par with last year but the aim was to see the numbers reduce.
Statistics from the past three years have shown that police arrested more drivers aged between 18 and 25 for drink-driving compared with any other age bracket.
The Department of Infrastructure’s road safety manager, Gordon Edwards, said: ‘You may have only had one or two drinks but even a small amount of alcohol can affect a person’s ability to drive safely.
‘If you drink and drive you are taking a massive risk and face prosecution from the police – or even worse, endangering your own life and the lives of innocent people.’
Anyone arrested and charged with drink-driving will be fast-tracked through the courts system.