Police forces unite to clamp down on Christmas drink-driving

THERE could be fatal consequences if drivers get behind the wheel after consuming drink or drugs this festive season, police warned at the start of their annual festive crackdown.

The Hampshire and Dorset forces have reminded offenders that if they are caught they could lose their livelihood as they face being banned from the roads, fined and a possible prison sentence.

Officers were out in force on Friday night to kick-off the seasonal drive and from now until New Year’s Day will be carrying out breath and drug tests at every opportunity using special kits.

Both constabularies want to spread the word of their campaigns after a similar drive earlier this summer during the World Cup failed to hit home. In Hampshire alone there was a 37% rise in the number of drivers arrested for drug-driving and a 25% increase in the number arrested for drink-driving.

Hampshire Police said its Christmas campaign, which features the tagline ‘It’s Not worth the Risk’, will involve intelligence-led operations focusing on high risk areas it has already identified, complemented by information it receives from members of the public.

Road safety sergeant Rob Heard said: “Every year officers deal with cases of drink or drug driving that directly result in families facing Christmas without loved ones.

“Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs in your system can affect your ability to drive safely – don’t let your friends and family pay the price.

“Friends, colleagues and family members can positively influence those around them. So we are calling on them to stop potential drink or drug-drivers from getting behind the wheel and risking tragedy this Christmas.”

Sgt Heard continued: “I am urging people to plan ahead during the party season. Think about how you’re going to get home and don’t forget about the impact alcohol can still have the morning after. Our message is simple, don’t drink or drug drive, it’s not worth the risk.”

The head of the Alliance Roads Policing Team in Dorset, Insp. Joe Pardey, highlighted that even motorists found under the drink limit of 35 micrograms could still be arrested by officers if it was thought they were unfit to drive.

“Alcohol and drugs impair many of the functions necessary for safe driving; reaction times and spatial awareness are affected significantly. This may still be the case the morning after, depending on how much alcohol you consumed the night before and when you stopped drinking,” he said.

“In short, you do not have to be drunk to be a drink driver. Don’t risk it,” he continued. “It’s not just you who is at risk. You could kill or seriously injure another person. Drink and drug-driving destroys people’s lives and those of their families.

“Avoiding this happening is as simple as planning ahead, leaving the car at home, and using a taxi, public transport or designated driver to get home.”

In total 26% of fatal collisions involve a drink or drug impairment and on the roads in Hampshire and Thames Valley 140 people are seriously injured or killed as a result of alcohol every year.

Around 400 motorists in the area are caught out every month for drink-driving, with most offences committed between 7pm and 7am, and 80% of offenders are male.

Statistics show males in their mid-20s are the age group where there is the greatest number of breath tests being refused or failed, and a person is 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision when using alcohol and illegal drugs together.

The Dorset message, which warns motorists there are ‘No Excuses’ for being caught, was reinforced by Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill.

He said he wanted people to enjoy and remember Christmas “for the right reasons”, adding: “Unbelievably, there are still people out there who think it’s acceptable to drink and drive.

“This isn’t okay at any time of the year but in the run up to Christmas, our campaign across Dorset will find people who are risking their lives and those of other road users by driving while impaired through drink or drugs. Please always have this in mind if you’re planning to drive the day after the Christmas party.”

Anyone who knows someone driving or about to drive after taking drink or drugs can call police on 101 or 999, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

They can also text 077814 80999 in Hampshire or, for Dorset, use the contact details on the Dorset RoadSafe website or email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk