Kettering driving instructor uses breathalyser kit to teach pupils

Don't drink and drive – a Kettering driving instructor is hammering home the safety message and offering learners the chance to be breathalysed before their lessons.

Andrew Love, who runs LUV2DRV, has launched an alcohol aware safety drive, which includes an information talk and handouts on drink driving, as well as breathalysing students to make sure they are not over the limit.

Mr Love, 45, of Wilton Road, Kettering, said: "I speak to learners about all manner of dangers on the road – such as speeding and road rage – during their induction. But I bought the breath kits to drive home the anti-drink drive message.

"Many companies now carry out random compulsory breath tests so it is important learner drivers get a taste of the real world. This is all about education and teaching people about their driving habits. People who have lessons at 9am on a Saturday morning may not think they are over the limit the following morning if they have had a drink on the Friday night.

"This is all part of the education package I offer and another part of the information I can give.

"I don't think it will put people off. It's a discussion point, although clearly if they were over the limit I wouldn't let them take the lesson."

Dad-of-one Mr Love set up LUV2DR four years ago after working as an instructor for the previous two years. He has helped more than 150 people pass their test.

He said: "If this stops one death it will have been worth it."

Figures show about 100 people are caught over the limit in the county every month. Nationally, there are 11,990 casualties due to drink driving every year, with 380 deaths attributed to it – 17 per cent of all deaths on the roads.

To contact Mr Love call 0781 2537562.