News from our partners: Don’t risk a drink drive conviction this Christmas
News from our partners
Motorists across West Mercia are today being reminded of the dangers of driving under the influence of drink or drugs during the festive period.
With the season of festivities nearly under way, West Mercia Police are launching a publicity and enforcement campaign to raise awareness of the issues around drink and drug driving.
The topic is being highlighted across social media and local radio advertising will be taking place across the region. Increased enforcement activity from police officers across West Mercia will also be in place.
There is no foolproof way of calculating how much you can drink and remain under the limit, or knowing how much an individual person can drink and still drive safely.
Inspector Nigel Webster and Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, help to launch this year’s drink and drug driving campaign.
Importantly, it is hard to calculate how long alcohol may stay in your body if you are driving the morning after so the safest option if you are driving is to drink no alcohol at all. There are plenty of alternatives available with public transport, taxis and sharing designated drivers. Pedestrians are also being encouraged to stay safe during the festive season and to plan safe routes home and to drink responsibly.
Figures indicate that, over the past three years 17 people were killed and 103 seriously injured in West Mercia following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.
The campaign supports the month-long winter drink drive campaign (starting 1 December 2018) by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC). Police forces throughout the UK will be working hard throughout December to make sure the roads are safe for everyone this Christmas and West Mercia Police will certainly be no exception to this.
Enforcing the drink and drug drive law is a 24/7 commitment for West Mercia Police and to reflect this police officers will be enforcing at all times of the day and night.
Martin Evans, Assistant Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, commented:
“There are still people out there who feel they can gamble with drinking and driving and think they know how much the limit is. Cracking down on those who take drugs or drink and then decide to drive is a year round commitment for us. However, we are very aware the festive season can present opportunities where people are tempted to drive under the influence. To combat this, extra patrols will be conducted in the run up to and over Christmas and New Year in a bid to tackle those who commit the unacceptable act of drinking or drug driving. The simple fact is, there is only one way of being sure that you are safe to drive and that is not to drink at all.”
Further information
If you would like to arrange an interview with ACC Evans or a serving officer please contact Vicki Bristow on 01905 331358 or Anna Higgins on 01905 331323.
Local policing teams will be attending various events and Christmas fairs throughout the festive season in order to raise awareness of the campaign and enforcement will be taking place throughout the whole of December – local media opportunities may be available throughout the month if required.
Police covering Worcester City will be at Crowngate Shopping Centre on Saturday 8 December 10am– 4pm with a ‘drink drive simulator’ for members of the public to try. There will also be the opportunity to talk to officers to find out more information about the campaign and the laws around drink and drug driving. Members of the media are welcome to attend.
