STAFFORDSHIRE Police will be targeting irresponsible and dangerous drivers in a bid to reduce fatal and serious road traffic collisions and protect other road users.
It forms part of the force’s wider #SaferXmas Stop & Think Christmas campaign that includes information on crime prevention, alcohol violence and disorder, and domestic abuse.
The ‘don’t drink or drug drive’ strand of the campaign will run across the county throughout December with more operations to catch those who risk their own and other people’s lives by drink or drug driving.
Inspector Mat Derrick, from the force’s tactical support department, said:
“We always carry out tests throughout the year on anyone involved in a road traffic collision or anyone who is suspected of drink or drug driving.
“We will also be generally stopping motorists during this campaign and carrying out tests. These operations will not just be at night, they will also be run in the mornings and throughout the day.
“Mistakenly people think after a night of drinking or using drugs that if they have slept and/eaten that they are fit to drive. There are many variables that influence the sobering effect but clearly the more alcohol or drugs that have been taken, the longer that process will take. The best advice would be simply not to drive the morning after.
“I want to send a clear message that if you drink or take drugs and drive then there is a high likelihood that you will be caught.”
In 2014, 240 people in the UK were killed in crashes where at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit. Drink-drive fatalities accounted for 13 per cent of all road deaths in 2015.
During the campaign last December in Staffordshire 158 drivers who tested positive or refused a breath test were arrested.
Last December, for the first time, Staffordshire Police used new roadside drug testing kits to detect even tiny amounts of the most commonly used drugs (cannabis and cocaine). 15 of the 40 drivers tested in Staffordshire were arrested when found positive. Nationally 50 per cent of 1,888 drivers tested were found to be under the influence of drugs.
“It is disappointing that any driver would still take the risk of drinking and driving. And, it is utterly staggering that so many people nationally were found to be driving under the influence of drugs,” continued Insp Derrick.
“It is not only irresponsible and against the law, the real consequences wrecks lives and families. That family could be yours. All too often officers have to tell families that their loved ones have been seriously injured or even died as a result of a collision. Is a drink, or taking drugs really worth badly injuring or killing someone?
“The devastation of even one single death caused by someone who has got behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs should be unacceptable to all road users.”
There are other consequences of drink or drug driving. Motorists risk losing their licence for a minimum of 12 months, a hefty fine, or even given a prison sentence. Their insurance will go up, have a loss of independence, potentially losing their job and having a criminal record.
Insp Derrick added:
“We urge people to ‘Stop & Think’, to plan how they will get home before a night out – whether to not drink, decide on a designated driver, or pre-book a taxi. Always make sure you are sober and fit to drive the morning after.”
If you have concerns about anyone you believe drives whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact police on 101. Alternatively, contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
The post Stop & Think: Don’t Drink or Drug Drive appeared first on Tamworth Informed.