THE shocking statistics that show hundreds of under-18s have been caught drink-driving in Hampshire in the past five years should give us all pause for thought.

Even more startling is the revelation that three children of 14 were arrested while under the influence behind the wheel.

Terrifying, as one charity boss tells the Daily Echo today (see page 5), and it is hard to disagree.

However, it would be too easy to dismiss these 276 cases as simply a hard core of lawbreakers and therefore ignore the lessons of these figures.

Every one of these arrests represents lives put in danger – other road users and the youngsters themselves. It is only by luck rather than good judgement that most escaped with nothing worse than wounded pride.

What possessed them to do it, we can only guess at.

The most important thing now is that the authorities get to grips with the culture of drinking among young people in this country.

Many believe a minimum unit price for alcohol would be a good place to start.

Whatever your view of that idea, surely doing something is better than doing nothing.