MOTORISTS in the North-East are the most likely to drink-drive, figures show.

According to the 2009 RAC Report on Motoring, one third of motorists in the region have driven while over the legal alcohol limit.

The figure is the highest in the UK.

The same percentage of drivers admitted getting in a car with someone who they knew was over the drink-drive limit.

The report also suggests that driving under the influence of drugs is widespread in the region.

More than one in ten motorists confessed to being driven by someone on drugs, while nine per cent admitted to driving while under the influence of illegal substances.

However, the report shows there is also widespread support in the region for stronger measures to tackle driving under the influence.

More than 80 per cent of North-East drivers said they were in favour of longer drink-driving sentences, and 73 per cent wanted to see increased random breath testing.

Adrian Tink, RAC’s motoring strategist, said: “This year’s report shows a worrying attitude to driving under the influence, especially when you consider that the number of fatal accidents involving drugs has increased by 28 per cent in recent years.

“We’ve seen successful high-profile campaigns showing the devastating impacts drink driving can have, and there’s more vital work that can be done on that issue, but we also need to see more highprofile information on the dangers of drug driving.”

The RAC is calling for a range of measures to tackle the problems of drug and drink driving, including better education and the introduction of roadside testing equipment for drugs.

The motoring organisation also wants the drink-drive limit lowered.