Police in Christmas crackdown on drink driving
Friday, 4th December 2009.
Suffolk Police is driving home the message not to drink or take drugs before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle this Christmas.
On Tuesday, police launched a month-long Christmas drink and drug drive campaign in support of the Association of Chief Police Officers’ (ACPO) national campaign.
Brake Road Safety Week in November was themed ‘Not a drop, not a drag’ and Suffolk police are calling on drivers to make the same commitment this Christmas.
In 2008, around 17 per cent of fatal road collisions in Suffolk were affected by drink and drug driving. Officers will be stepping up roadside checks and are warning motorists that they will breath-test anyone involved in a collision, however minor.
Furthermore, as part of the campaign police are urging people to call a halt to the actions of anyone they know who flouts the law and dismisses other people’s safety by mixing drinking or drugs and driving.
Chief Inspector Mike Bacon said: “Drink driving can have tragic consequences and I would strongly urge people not to do it. By doing so they may ruin their own lives as well as the lives of others – it really isn’t worth the risk.
"Last December we saw an increase in the number of people we caught drink driving. This should act as a warning - if you drink and drive you will be arrested and prosecuted. Instead of spending a night in the cells, please take the sensible option and leave your car at home - get a taxi or ask a designated driver for a lift.”
Throughout this year’s campaign Suffolk police will not only crack down on drink and drug driving, but will also continue to target speeding, the use of mobile phones while driving and people who do not wear seatbelts.
This is part of an ongoing 'No Excuses' campaign which targets the ‘Fatal Four’ offences in a bid to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Suffolk’s roads.
Anyone who suspects someone they know of drink driving is asked to report them immediately to police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
On Tuesday, police launched a month-long Christmas drink and drug drive campaign in support of the Association of Chief Police Officers’ (ACPO) national campaign.
Brake Road Safety Week in November was themed ‘Not a drop, not a drag’ and Suffolk police are calling on drivers to make the same commitment this Christmas.
In 2008, around 17 per cent of fatal road collisions in Suffolk were affected by drink and drug driving. Officers will be stepping up roadside checks and are warning motorists that they will breath-test anyone involved in a collision, however minor.
Furthermore, as part of the campaign police are urging people to call a halt to the actions of anyone they know who flouts the law and dismisses other people’s safety by mixing drinking or drugs and driving.
Chief Inspector Mike Bacon said: “Drink driving can have tragic consequences and I would strongly urge people not to do it. By doing so they may ruin their own lives as well as the lives of others – it really isn’t worth the risk.
"Last December we saw an increase in the number of people we caught drink driving. This should act as a warning - if you drink and drive you will be arrested and prosecuted. Instead of spending a night in the cells, please take the sensible option and leave your car at home - get a taxi or ask a designated driver for a lift.”
Throughout this year’s campaign Suffolk police will not only crack down on drink and drug driving, but will also continue to target speeding, the use of mobile phones while driving and people who do not wear seatbelts.
This is part of an ongoing 'No Excuses' campaign which targets the ‘Fatal Four’ offences in a bid to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Suffolk’s roads.
Anyone who suspects someone they know of drink driving is asked to report them immediately to police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Comment on this story
[board listing] [login] [register]
You must be logged in to post messages. (login now)