MOTORISTS across Worcestershire are being reminded of the dangers of driving under the influence of drink or drugs during the festive period.
Safer Roads Partnership in Warwickshire and West Mercia is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the issues around drink and drug driving by highlighting the consequences across social media and local radio.
Police officers will also be focused in licensed venues with the use of the national Crimestoppers drink drive campaign encouraging people to report known offenders.
Figures indicate that, over the past three years nine people were killed and 108 seriously injured in West Mercia following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.
There is no foolproof way of calculating how much you can drink and remain under the limit, or knowing how much an individual person can drink and still drive safely.
Importantly, it is hard to calculate how long alcohol may stay in your body if you are driving the morning after so the safest option if you are driving is to drink no alcohol at all.
There are plenty of alternatives available with public transport, taxis and sharing designated drivers.
Pedestrians are also being encouraged to stay safe during the festive season and to plan safe routes home and to drink responsibly.
Supt Daryn Elton for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police said: “There are still people out there who feel they can gamble with drinking and driving and think they know how much the limit is.
“Cracking down on those who take drugs or drink and then decide to drive is a year round commitment for us.
“However, we are very aware the festive season can present opportunities where people are tempted to drive under the influence.
“To combat this, extra patrols will be conducted in the run up to and over Christmas and New Year, in a bid to tackle those who commit the unacceptable act of drinking or drug driving.
“The simple fact is, there is only one way of being sure that you are safe to drive and that is not to drink at all,” he added.
