Summer crackdown on drink-driving starts tomorrow
Thursday, 31st May 2012.
Police in Suffolk will be looking to the public to play a key role in this summer’s drink drive campaign, which starts tomorrow, by reporting those flouting the law.
The annual month-long enforcement campaign begins tomorrow and drivers in Suffolk are reminded that although residents should enjoy the long days of summer, having a drink and getting behind the wheel could mean losing more than just the ability to drive.
The message is particularly significant with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee days away, the football European Championships kicking off on June 8, and the Olympics.
Sgt Paul Ward of the Suffolk's casualty reduction team said: “I want to remind people who go to pubs and other people’s houses for street parties, barbecues and football matches, that they must not feel pressured into drinking alcohol then getting behind the wheel of a car.
"Officers will be particularly active around relevant times. The safest and only sensible option for any driver would be to not drink any alcohol.
“We are also asking members of the public to tell us about people they know who are drink-driving. They are a danger to themselves, to you, your family and others, and they should be stopped.”
In 2010, 14 per cent (250) of people killed on the nation's roads died in a collision involving a drink-driver. In 2011 in Suffolk alcohol was a contributing factor in 14 per cent of fatal collisions.
During the summer campaign officers will be carrying out roadside checks at all times of the day and night, including first thing in the morning, as drivers are urged to think twice before getting behind the wheel the morning after drinking – when alcohol can still be in their body.
Officers will also be breath-testing anyone who is stopped for a motoring offence and anyone involved in a collision in a bid to crack down on those who flout the law.
Driving a vehicle when under the influence of drink or drugs will seriously impair the driver’s ability and can have serious consequences.
The driver will potentially risk peoples’ lives and can receive a fine of up to £5,000, a minimum 12-month driving ban and a criminal record.
Sgt Ward said: “This campaign gives a stern warning to motorists this summer – drink-drivers should not think they can get away with it. If you break the law and drive over the legal limit our officers will be waiting to catch you.”
Anyone who suspects someone they know of drink or drug driving is asked to report them immediately to the police on 101 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The annual month-long enforcement campaign begins tomorrow and drivers in Suffolk are reminded that although residents should enjoy the long days of summer, having a drink and getting behind the wheel could mean losing more than just the ability to drive.
The message is particularly significant with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee days away, the football European Championships kicking off on June 8, and the Olympics.
Sgt Paul Ward of the Suffolk's casualty reduction team said: “I want to remind people who go to pubs and other people’s houses for street parties, barbecues and football matches, that they must not feel pressured into drinking alcohol then getting behind the wheel of a car.
"Officers will be particularly active around relevant times. The safest and only sensible option for any driver would be to not drink any alcohol.
“We are also asking members of the public to tell us about people they know who are drink-driving. They are a danger to themselves, to you, your family and others, and they should be stopped.”
In 2010, 14 per cent (250) of people killed on the nation's roads died in a collision involving a drink-driver. In 2011 in Suffolk alcohol was a contributing factor in 14 per cent of fatal collisions.
During the summer campaign officers will be carrying out roadside checks at all times of the day and night, including first thing in the morning, as drivers are urged to think twice before getting behind the wheel the morning after drinking – when alcohol can still be in their body.
Officers will also be breath-testing anyone who is stopped for a motoring offence and anyone involved in a collision in a bid to crack down on those who flout the law.
Driving a vehicle when under the influence of drink or drugs will seriously impair the driver’s ability and can have serious consequences.
The driver will potentially risk peoples’ lives and can receive a fine of up to £5,000, a minimum 12-month driving ban and a criminal record.
Sgt Ward said: “This campaign gives a stern warning to motorists this summer – drink-drivers should not think they can get away with it. If you break the law and drive over the legal limit our officers will be waiting to catch you.”
Anyone who suspects someone they know of drink or drug driving is asked to report them immediately to the police on 101 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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