Police Crackdown on Drink and Drug Driving
1 June 2011, 12:18 | Updated: 1 June 2011, 12:25
Police forces have launched their summer campaign to cut down on drink and drug driving.
The campaign, which starts today (Wednesday June 1st) and runs until June 30, aims to inform motorists of the consequences of drinking or taking drugs and then getting behind the wheel. It also serves to warn anyone tempted that if they do drink or take drugs and then drive, they are very likely to be caught and arrested.
Officers have been briefed to carry out breath tests and, where relevant Field Impairment Tests (FIT) to all drivers involved in any road collisions they attend. They will also be on the lookout for any suspicious driving and will stop and check anyone suspected of committing a driving offence, as part of their usual patrols.
Chief Inspector Donna Pierce from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Strategic Road Policing Unit advised:
“With the warmer weather comes BBQs, parties and days out in the sunshine, but it’s important this relaxed atmosphere does not extend to people’s attitudes towards drinking and driving.
“Last year we saw an increase in those arrested for driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs – anyone tempted to do so this year can rest assured they will be targeted by officers in the same way.
“Our message is drink or drug driving won’t be tolerated in Hertfordshire. If you want to enjoy a drink this summer, make sure you arrange a safe way to get home.
“Never be tempted to take the chance that you’re under the legal limit. Any amount of alcohol affects your reactions and not only could you lose your license, you could lose your job, your independence and you could seriously injure or kill yourself, someone close to you or somebody else’s loved one.”
Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Constabulary advises the following alternatives to drink and drug driving:
- If you have to take the car, make sure you stick to non-alcoholic drinks rather than having one glass of wine or a pint of beer and hoping you’ll be under the legal limit – you can’t calculate your limit so don’t try to.
- Take it in turns for one of your party to be the designated driver.
- Leave the car at home and use public transport or take a registered taxi – why not pre-book one with a reputable company before you go out.
- Stick to soft drinks – it tends to be a cheaper alternative as well as helping you avoid that ‘morning after the night before’ feeling.
If you know a drink driver, you could help by calling the police on 0845 33 00 222. If you know someone has been drinking and is about to drive, always dial 999.
If you are found to be driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs you can face:
- A minimum of a 12-month disqualification, as well as a fine and/or imprisonment.
- The offence of causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs now carries a maximum penalty of 14 year’s imprisonment and a disqualification of at least two years.