Lancashire Police and the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety launched their summer drink drive campaign today.
Police officers were out in force as part of a national crackdown targeting those who get into the car despite having had alcohol. The Partnership will also be carrying out a number of education and awareness activities.
On average 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured each year in drink drive collisions and nearly one in six of all deaths on the road involve drivers who are over the legal alcohol limit.
Last year’s campaign saw the number of people who failed or refused a test drop to 4.6% from 5.5% in 2007 and it’s estimated some 20,000 lives have been saved in the last 13 years thanks to central government drink drive campaigns. Now officers want that figure to decrease even further.
“Our previous joint campaigns over the past two years have been successful and we have seen our failure and refusal rate fall to nearly half the national average,” commented Inspector Martin Bishop from the Road Policing Unit. “However, we are not complacent. One person drink driving is one too many.
“This summer’s campaign will also focus on those who choose to take illegal drugs and drive. The consequences of this are just as severe and we are now in a position to be able to test people for drug driving.
“Weather experts are predicting a good summer and if they’re correct, I’m sure we will want to enjoy the sunshine. However, if you are out drinking then you should leave the car at home. Furthermore, you must also remember that you may still be over the limit the morning after and we would urge people to think before they get in the car the next day.
“Our message is as always simple. Do not drink and drive and do not take drugs and drive. Although we take part in this national campaign every summer our enforcement tactics take place all year round.”
“An endorsement for a drink-driving offence remains on a licence for 11 years helping make ‘One for the road’ socially unacceptable amongst the majority of Lancashire road users,” added Said Linda Sanderson, Communications Manager for Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety. “However, the fear of killing someone whilst driving over the limit or being banned from driving has not hit home amongst the younger, inexperienced drivers. With the promise of a long hot summer, there will be plenty of opportunities to take turns and share the responsibility of driving your friends and family home safely by sticking to soft drinks.
“Working with popular drinking venues, we will be highlighting the dire consequences of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs, remind people of the police roadside checks and encourage them to leave their keys in their pocket.”