DRINK and drug drivers will be targeted with heightened enforcement and awareness activity over the Christmas period says Staffordshire Police, with increased focus given to those drinking at home.
Drivers are also being reminded to remember the morning after, something which is often forgotten and catches people out.
The force has commenced its annual drink and drug drive campaign which this year recognises the Covid-19 restrictions and the anticipation that more people will be drinking at home, or at the homes of friends and family in their respective ‘bubble’ over the Christmas period.
National research published by Drinkaware showed that some people have significantly increased their alcohol consumption at home during the lockdown.
And whilst the initial lockdown saw dramatically fewer cars on the roads, loosening of restrictions means that traffic levels are almost back at normal levels, giving added cause for concern.
Officers will be stopping anyone suspected of drink or drug driving and performing both breath and drug testing. Anyone found to be over the limit will face the full force of the law.
There will also be a focus on morning checks, with many motorists mistakenly thinking they are safe to drive the day after drinking.
Information published by the road safety charity Brake shows that even when someone is only just over the legal limit they are still six times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than someone who has drunk nothing.
Messages supporting the overall campaign with safety reminders to the public will also be utilised across a range of online channels, within supermarkets and signage and within drinking establishments across the county as and when they begin to open again.
Chief Inspector Mat Derrick of Staffordshire Roads Policing Unit said:
“We understand this year has been hard, and many people will want to drink at home in place of enjoying their usual Christmas parties. However, many people don’t realise just how long alcohol stays in your system, making it unsafe to drive the following morning.
“It’s important to plan ahead this festive season especially if you are visiting another household as part of your Christmas bubble between 23 and 27 December. Have a designated driver, book a taxi or make other arrangements. Don’t be tempted to drink and drive.
“There will be dedicated patrols 24/7 carrying out random roadside checks of drivers they suspect are under the influence of drinks or drugs. They will be pay particular attention to early in the morning, to target those risking driving the morning after drinking the night before.”
You are more likely to be involved in a crash if you drink drive which could cause serious injury or death.
The consequences of drink and driving can also include:
- A minimum 12 month driving ban
- A criminal record
- A hefty fine
- Up to six months in prison
- A licence endorsement for 11 years.
All of which also result in increased car insurance costs, or loss of employment.
This campaign supports on-going work as part of the force’s Operation Lightning, which aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads of Staffordshire and to disrupt and deter criminals from using the road network.
The public are encouraged to report drink and drug drivers, providing as much information as possible so they can be investigated.
If you know someone who drink or drug drives you can report them online to Staffordshire Police at www.staffordshire.police.uk or via their Facebook or Twitter pages. You can also call 101,
If there is an immediate risk to the public always call 999.
You can also report information about crime by contacting the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Need to chat to someone about alcohol?
This service is open to anyone concerned about their own drinking, or, if you are concerned about a family member or friend and their drinking.
You can contact Drinkline and speak to a trained adviser about your own or someone else’s drinking by calling:
0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–2pm, weekends 11am–4pm)
