WA drivers caught with alcohol and drugs

More than 170 motorists tested positive to drugs in Western Australia over Christmas, while police also caught almost 650 drink drivers and more than 350 people using their mobile phones.

The Christmas traffic campaign results showed 0.4 per cent of drivers tested returned a positive alcohol test, while eight per cent of people tested returned a positive drug test.

Police and Road Safety Minister Liza Harvey said while alcohol testing was random, drug testing was targeted at suspicious drivers and therefore resulted in a higher rate of positive tests.

"I want to stress that the vast majority of motorists drive safely over the hundreds of hours and thousands of kilometres they travelled over this festive season," she said.

"But there is still a cohort of motorists, as well as the new drivers we get on the road each year, that need to get the message about the behaviours which are killing and seriously injuring people on our roads."

RESULTS OF THE HEADSUP CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN:

* Random breath tests and preliminary breath tests conducted - 172,187

* Drink driving charges - 644

* Drug wipe tests conducted - 2165

* Positive drug wipe tests - 174

* Using a mobile phone while driving infringements - 377

* Speeding offences - 3220

* Seatbelt offences - 438

* Vehicle impoundments - 325

* No authority to drive - 1030