Lancashire Constabulary’s Christmas drink and drug driving campaign gets underway today (Wednesday 1st December).
The festive crackdown will see high profile enforcement activity taking place across the county throughout the month of December, including checkpoints at key locations where officers will administer drink and drugs tests.
In addition, a high profile radio campaign and hundreds of posters and beer mats, funded by the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety, will be distributed to pubs and clubs across Lancashire warning of the dangers of drink driving.
“We want people to have fun this Christmas but to remember the consequences of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” commented Superintendent Peter O’Dwyer.
“Between 1 January and 1 October this year, there were 35 fatal collisions in Lancashire. Six of these involved drink or drugs and this is simply not acceptable.”
Nationwide in 2009, it was estimated that 11,990 reported casualties (5 per cent of all road casualties) occurred when someone was driving whilst over the legal alcohol limit. The provisional number of people estimated to have been killed in drink drive accidents was 380 in 2009 (17 per cent of all road fatalities), which although a decrease of 20 fatalities compared to the final 2008 estimate is still 380 too many.
“The consequences of drink driving are high,” Superintendent Dwyer added. “If you drive at twice the legal alcohol limit you are at least 30 times more likely to cause a road crash than a driver who hasn’t been drinking, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
A conviction for drink driving will result in a minimum 12 months driving ban or a minimum of a 3 year driving ban if you have a previous drink driving conviction in the past 10 years. You might even end up in prison for up to six months or face a fine of up to £5000.
“A conviction could also mean that you lose your job, home, family and friends. The consequences can be absolutely devastating.”
County Councillor Tim Ashton, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport added: “We want everyone in Lancashire to have a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.
“Our advice to those people out celebrating and drinking over the festive season is to leave the car at home and use public transport or a taxi. Getting behind the wheel after even one drink is not worth the risk and could have many serious consequences.
“It is also important that people think about their plans for the following day. If you are drinking late into the night then people need to remember that they are more than likely to still be over the limit the morning after.”
The number of people caught drink and drug driving continues to fall in Lancashire, with 2.2 per cent of those tested during last year’s Christmas campaign failing or refusing a test – despite more tests being carried out.
Supt O’Dwyer added: “Whilst the figures suggest that there are now less people getting behind the wheel after drinking, one person drink or drug driving is too many.
“Our message is simple – do not drink and drive and do not take drugs and drive.”
Police are also urging revellers to take care during the party season and have issued the following advice:
• If you are going out and drinking plan how you are going to get home and stick to that plan.
• Try to keep to busy well-lit areas and don’t take short cuts and walk away from bushes and buildings.
• Where possible, don’t walk alone after dark. Take someone you know with you.
• Always walk facing oncoming traffic.
• To avoid delay, have your keys ready when you are approaching your car or home.
• Never accept lifts from strangers.
• When telephoning for a taxi, ask for the driver’s name and check this when he/she arrives.
• If you would like to report someone who you suspect of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, contact the police on 0845 1 25 35 45.
Road Casualty Statistics
• Reported Road Casualties Great Britain: 2009 (pages 61-83, PDF)
• Reported Road Casualties Great Britain: 2008 (pages 58-84, PDF)
• DrinkDriving.org: Statistics
(This site which does not condone drink driving, provides an open online community and a comprehensive information resource for all people who have been affected by drinking and driving in any and every way imaginable)