Minister gives drink-drive warning

Northern Ireland’s environment minister has warned motorists over the dangers of drink-driving.

Edwin Poots was commenting on the issue as a new road safety media campaign is being launched.

He pointed out the impairment those who drink alcohol before getting behind the wheel suffer.

Mr Poots said: "Drivers who buy and consume a pint or any other alcoholic drink should realise it could be the most expensive one they ever had, ultimately costing them or other road users their lives."

He went on to state that research has clearly shown that, when it comes to driving, impairment increases with each alcoholic beverage a person consumes, adding that the areas affected include the brain’s ability to observe, interpret and process information.

Earlier this week, police in Grampian criticised some young motorists after what they described as a "weekend of madness", during which there were 28 cases of careless or drink-driving.