THERE are reasons for us all to be pleased that, if police figures reflect the true festive story, drivers in the West Mercia region heeded the warnings and decided not to risk a drink-drive conviction.

Of course, they may have been prompted by less selfish thoughts. The idea that you haven't killed an innocent member of the public, we hope, will have been a more powerful motivating force.

The national picture, today, shows a growing new breed of young motorists with no comprehension of the dangers of drink-driving.

In recent years, the opposite has appeared true locally. But, while we should take some reassurance from the figures, let's not think that society can finally rest easily. It can't.

Twenty-six of the 328 drivers tested in West Mercia were still happy to risk life and limb.

Among them will be a hard core who think they're above the law of the land and the principles of physiology.

How do we deal with such people? Well, we've long thought that - as a starting point - Britain should fall in line with many European countries and cut the limit from 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood to just 50mgm.

And it's time to give more than the seasonal glance. Any time in the year is a bad time to lose a loved one or a friend.

We'd like to see West Mercia Police carry out a week-long blitz on drink-drivers - and make it unannounced.

This year's festive figures may mean simply that the drinkers decided to lie low.

Let's add them to the 26 who won't be driving again for some time.