MOTORISTS are being warned about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the run up to Christmas and new year.
Although the issues are a priority for West Mercia Police all-year-round, there is usually a spike during December and the festive season as people get together with friends, family and work colleagues.
According to shocking statistics released by the force, there have been 13 fatalities and 132 serious injuries on the roads where alcohol has been a contributory factor.
An additional 24 fatalities and 100 serious injuries have occurred involving drugs.
West Mercia Police said whilst the vast majority of drivers across the three counties did the right thing, officers arrested 186 people during December last year for being over the limit whilst behind the wheel. It launched this year’s Operation Christmas
Presence on Monday, December 1 – its annual clampdown on drink and drug-driving.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs has devastating consequences to all those involved – reducing harm on the roads is a key commitment for the force as part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s West Mercia Safer Communities Plan.
Advice
The police stressed there was ‘no fool-proof way of calculating how much motorists could drink and remain under the limit or knowing how much an individual person could drink and still drive safely.
“Any amount of alcohol can affect your ability to drive and there are numerous consequences of driving with alcohol in your system.
“If caught over the limit, motorists face six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a ban from driving for at least one year (three years if convicted twice in 10 years).
“Beyond these penalties, those choosing to drive under the influence of either drink or drugs jeopardise the safety of all road users.”
Supt Stuart Bill, of West Mercia Police, said: “The drink drive law has been in place for 60 years with the ability for officers to deliver breath tests at the side of the road since the 1980s.
“It’s therefore extremely frustrating that some motorists still drive under the influence of alcohol.
“With the variety of non alcoholic options now available there really is no excuse.
“Any amount of alcohol or drugs can affect your ability to drive and there are numerous consequences of driving with alcohol or drugs in your system.”
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “There is absolutely no excuse for drinking or taking drugs and then getting behind the wheel.
“The consequences can be catastrophic – not just for the driver, but for innocent people, families, and entire communities.
“With road safety at the heart of my police and crime plan, I fully support efforts to reduce harm on our roads.
“Through high-visibility patrols and robust enforcement, West Mercia Police will ensure those who choose to put lives at risk are identified and brought to justice.”
Operation Christmas Presence will run throughout December with high visibility patrols carried out across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.
The campaign will also raise awareness of a number of issues, including domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour.
For more on the campaign, visit West Mercia Police’s 24 Days of Christmas where different advice and tips will be put up on a daily basis until Christmas Eve.
