Those who are prepared to risk drinking and driving will be caught, say Wiltshire Police as the annual Christmas Drink and Drug Driving Campaign is launched this week.
All Wiltshire Police officers and members of Tri Force Roads Policing Unit will be conducting high profile roadside checks at all times of the day and night, to catch those who pose a huge risk to themselves and the lives of other road users.
Although casualties caused by drink driving have fallen dramatically over the past 50 years, there were still 240 deaths (14% of all road fatalities) due to drink driving in 2014. Officers will also be screening for drugs at the roadside as it has been found that drivers who have consumed both drugs and alcohol are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than sober drivers.
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.
“If people choose to drink alcohol excessively or take drugs before getting behind the wheel we will catch them. We encourage our public to report those they know to be doing this via our drink drive hotline or Crimestoppers. We will actively target any drivers we suspect to be driving under the influence.”
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. To report a crime completely anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Above: A car damaged in a fatal drink driving collision is used as a tool to educate people of the dangers.
