Wiltshire Police alongside Wiltshire and Swindon Road Safety Partnership launched the annual Christmas Drink and Drug Driving Campaign on Tuesday 1st December.
Tests will take place at all times of the day and night to catch those who pose a huge risk to themselves and other road users.
The campaign aims to educate drivers about the dangers of drinking and taking drugs before getting behind the wheel and will run throughout the month from Tuesday 1st December to Sunday 3rd January 2016. It is being launched in support of a national campaign by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).
All Wiltshire officers will be taking part in this campaign, but specifically, members of the Tri Force Roads Policing Unit will be conducting high profile roadside checks at various times. In addition to this, some of the checks will be conducted in conjunction with Tri-force officers from Gloucestershire and Avon & Somerset. Police officers on Tri-Force have been trained in Field Impairment Testing (FIT) techniques and will also be screening for drugs on the roadside.
Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council will be holding Drink/ Drug Drive Roadshows around the county in order to highlight the dangers of drink/drug driving. As part of the roadshow, a drink drive simulator will be available to allow members of the public the opportunity to see how alcohol affects their ability to drive. The dates for this will be 17/12/15 Swindon, 21/12/15 Trowbridge Fore Street, 23/12/15 Marlborough High Street.
The campaign will raise awareness about the consequences of being caught drink or drug-driving which can include a 12-month driving ban, a large fine, a criminal record, and the serious implications for insurance premiums, once the offender can drive again. It can also have a huge impact on personal lifestyle with people losing their jobs and suffering relationship breakdowns.
Sergeant Gavin Brewster of the Wiltshire Road Safety Unit said, “Christmas is a busy time of the year with lots of social events taking place. We want people to enjoy the festive season however, it’s important that they plan ahead and make arrangements to get home safely when out and about.
“Drink and/or drug driving is a very serious offence and innocent lives are put in danger by people who make such a senseless decision. We want to ensure that we do all we can to help keep Wiltshire roads safe and a lot of time and effort will be put in to catch those who decide to drink and/or drug drive this Christmas.
“By stepping up enforcement over the festive period and with involvement and support from the public, our aim is to reduce the number of people who consider getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.
“The message from us is perfectly clear. If you take a chance on drink and/or drug driving, you will be caught. For the first time during our Christmas campaign we will also be roadside screening for drugs and so as well as the drink driving message I am keen to highlight the likelihood of getting caught drug driving this year, is just as high.
“Key messages I would also like drivers to think about before they decide to get behind the wheel is that you don’t have to feel drunk to be a drink driver and a second drink could double your chances of being in a fatal collision.
“Finally I also want to remind drivers that the effects of a night out may still affect you the following morning. Every year officers arrest people the morning after the night before celebrations.”
Chief Constable Mike Veale said, “Christmas is a time for celebration and whilst I don’t want to discourage people from having a good time, it is vital to stress the importance of not getting behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or taking drugs. It is as simple as that. Plan ahead – if you think you will be having a drink, make sure you arrange a lift home or take enough money for a taxi.”
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson said, “Christmas is a magical time. So let’s ensure in this festive season that no family has to endure the heartache of being told a loved one has been killed or seriously injured by a driver who was unfit to drive through drink or drugs.
“My Christmas appeal to motorists is that, if they are going out with family, friends or workmates to celebrate, they leave their car behind and take a bus, taxi or train. Alternatively, that they have a designated driver among them who will stick to soft drinks and get everyone home safely.”
Anyone wishing to report an incident of drink/drug driving should call Wiltshire Police on 101 and select option 4 for the Drink Drive Hotline. In an emergency, dial 999. Or report a crime completely anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555111.
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