New figures published by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) have highlighted a considerable proportion of UK motorists that are failing to abide by drink-driving laws.

Following a month-long campaign in June to clamp down on summer drink-driving, ACPO revealed a total of 63,688 roadside breathalyser tests were carried out on members of the public, with one in 15 drivers (6.5 per cent) either failing the test or refusing to take part.

This represents a 1.5 percentage point increase in this behaviour in comparison to the same period last year and has prompted road safety charity Brake to call on all drivers to take their responsibilities for safety seriously every time they get behind the wheel.

Deputy chief executive for Brake Julie Townsend stated: "It is frustrating to see too many drivers still selfishly risking lives by getting behind the wheel after drinking, even when the dangers and consequences are so well documented.

"Our message to drivers is to pledge to never drive after drinking any alcohol – not a drop."

Indeed, the organisation is currently highlighting its 'Not a drag, Not a drop' campaign, which aims to highlight to road users the serious consequences they can face should they consume illegal drugs or alcohol and then proceed to take charge of a vehicle.

Overall, one in six deaths on the nation's roads were shown to have been alcohol-related in 2013, with drivers exceeding the current legal limit of 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath.

As a result, the charity is calling on the government to take a hard line on these offenders and the act of drink-driving in general, by reducing the limit to just 20 mg in the coming years.

It is hoped that by doing so, individuals will no longer be left wondering whether they will be breaking the law by having just 'one or two' drinks, as any amount of alcohol consumed will put them over and leave them facing serious sanctions if caught.