Drivers who choose to get behind the wheel when over the limit will face severe consequences as part of a new police campaign against drink driving which kicks off today.
Police in Lancashire are promising a crackdown on drink driving with increased enforcement activity and patrols throughout the county.
In 2011, over 2000 drivers failed their breath test in Lancashire after being stopped on suspicion of drink driving.
Check points will be conducted on key routes where officers will conduct breath tests and speak to motorists and both traditional and social media will be used to remind people of the dangers and consequences of drink driving.
A national TV and radio advertising campaign, funded by the Department of Transport, will also take place over the summer months.
With a summer of celebration about to get underway, officers are also keen to stress to people that if they go out drinking on a night, then there is a chance that they could still be over the limit the following morning, so anyone enjoying events, like Euro 2012, with a drink is urged to steer clear of their car.
“The vast majority of local motorists are law abiding and will leave their car at home if they know they will be having a drink,” commented Chief Inspector Debbie Howard, of the Road Policing Unit. “However to the small minority of people who are tempted to drink and drive, our message is clear – drink driving will simply not be tolerated here in Lancashire.
“The consequences of drink driving are high – 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 could also mean that you lose your job, home, family and friends. The consequences can be absolutely devastating.”