Driving this Christmas? Steer clear of alcohol for everyone's sake
Throughout December Devon and Cornwall Police will be making sure that the region’s roads are a safe place for everyone.
Any drivers involved in a collision and any motorists whose driving may lead police to suspect they are under the influence of alcohol will be breathalysed. If drug driving is suspected, drivers may have to undergo a roadside sobriety test.
Roads Policing Inspector Richard McLellan emphasised that being “under the limit” does not necessarily mean that a driver’s judgement and abilities are not impaired.
He said: “Police can still arrest a driver for ‘driving whilst impaired’ if an officer suspects they are unfit through drink or drugs, even where the breath samples provided back at the police station are found to be under the legal limit. They may still be charged and convicted of an offence.
“Your judgement may still be impaired the morning after a night out too, so our message is clear and simple: don’t drink and drive, it is simply not worth it.”
Police are also emphasising that the effects of a collision caused by driving with impaired judgment due to drink or drugs extend much further than initial damage, injury or fatalities.
Inspector McLellan continued: “If you drink and drive you risk significant consequences, not just increasing your chance of causing serious injury or a death through a collision, but consequences in trying to carry on with a normal life. The penalties when caught have far-reaching implications on any drink driver’s life financially, emotionally, psychologically and on their family and friends.
“The punishments for drink driving are severe, not only from what a court may pass as a sentence, but the ongoing consequential effects. If convicted of drink driving you will have a criminal record, lose your licence and potentially your livelihood and you could spend time in prison and receive a hefty fine. Convictions can also significantly increase insurance premiums and prevent travel to certain countries.”
Preventing death or injury is as simple as pre-booking a taxi back from a party or having an alcohol free designated driver in your group.
The public can also play their part in helping police reduce incidences of drink and drug driving by reporting drivers.
Inspector McLellan said: “If you know someone is driving whilst impaired, we encourage you to do the responsible thing and report it to the police. This could save a life or prevent serious injury.
“If someone is drinking and driving now, call 999. To report someone who regularly drinks and drives, email 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk or call 101. If you prefer to remain completely anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“Drink driving cannot be tolerated at any time of the year but we will ensure very close attention is being paid over the festive period.”
During Devon and Cornwall Police’s 2015 Christmas drink/drug drive campaign, officers administered 1,974 breath tests of which 177 were positive, refused or failed to provide.
11 drug wipe tests were administered with 4 resulting in a positive result.
