Former drink driver helps Police campaign

A new anti-drink driving campaign for the festive period will see Devon and Cornwall Police team up with a convicted drink driver.

The 33-year-old Plymouth University student lost his licence after being caught beind the wheel while three times over the legal limit. 

The student, who wishes not to be named, is now supporting the Force in its annual drink drive campaign which runs throughout December.

The student said: “Drink driving had a catastrophic impact on every part of my life – my university placement, my finances, my relationships and my independence.

The student chose to drive after a heavy night out to avoid a £25 parking fine.  He was spotted by police and was found to be three times the legal limit.  He was taken to court, resulting in a 12 month driving ban and a criminal record.

He continued: “The implications of a small error of judgement, clouded by alcohol has made the last year at university very difficult.  It has put a question mark over whether I would be accepted on a doctrine course and made the possibility of working in America slim.  A greater embarrassment has been telling my family and friends and of course getting access to my son.

“I would say to anyone thinking about drinking and driving - not to do it.  The consequences are far too great on your life as well as the effect it has on others.”

The ‘What will your drink cost you?’ campaign is aimed at showing people the far-reaching life implications of getting behind the wheel after drinking and will be coupled with an increased police operation.

As part of this year’s operation, officers will be carrying out increased roadside checks in the evenings and early mornings during the festive period.  They will continue to breathalyse all drivers involved in collisions and anyone committing an offence when driving or suspected to be under the influence of drink or drugs.

Inspector Richard Pryce, Head of Roads Policing, said: “The story of this Plymouth student illustrates the serious consequences of drink driving.

“If you drink and drive you risk significant consequences.  This is not only increasing your chance of causing serious injury through a collision, but life changing consequences to simply running 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 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, you could spend time in prison and receive a hefty fine.

“Convictions can also significantly increase insurance premiums and prevent travel to certain countries.  More importantly they risk causing a death or serious injury on the roads. The message is simple: don’t drink and drive".

Driving whilst impaired through drugs is an equally serious matter and the police will be undertaking roadside impairment tests when anyone is suspected to be driving and under the influence of drugs.  Anyone suspected could face having to provide a blood sample for analysis.

Inspector Pryce continued, “We will not tolerate driving whilst impaired by drink or drugs at any time of the year but we will ensure close attention is being paid over the festive period.

“We urge people to think about how they are going to get home after they have been drinking and make arrangements before they go out.  If you know someone is driving whilst impaired, we encourage you to do the responsible thing and report it to the police.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg lends his full support to the campaign and urges people to think about the true cost of drinking and driving.

“The effect of alcohol on all sections of society is very high on my list of priorities and I urge everyone to think before they risk ruining their lives by drink-driving,” he said.

“I want everyone to enjoy Christmas and I know for many that involves drinking alcohol but if that is the case don’t drink and drive.  The implications are high and the cost of a taxi ride might just be the best thing you buy this Christmas.”

The Force campaign is linked to the national campaign launched by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Police breathalysed 2,134 drivers across Devon and Cornwall last December and 252 were positive, failed or refused.