A CRACKDOWN on drink and drug driving is already producing results for police.
In just five days West Mercia Police caught 24 drivers over the drink drive limit with 21 drivers failing the drug driving test.
Drink and drug driving offences typically increase during the summer with more opportunity for people to think they can risk mixing drinking with driving. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the consequences of driving after drinking and the impact it can have.
Over the past three years, 122 people have been killed or seriously injured in West Mercia as a result of collisions involving drink or drugs.
Of particular concern is those motorists aged between 17 and 30; Approximately 45 per cent of drivers involved in collisions causing death or serious injury involving drink or drugs were aged 17-30, of which around 82 per cent were male.
The immediate consequences for anyone if they are caught drink driving include a minimum 12 month driving ban, up to six months in prison, a fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record.
A conviction for drink driving can have a major impact on the future prospects of a young person. For example, it may lead to job loss, significant problems when applying for a job in the future and difficulty travelling abroad.
New drug driving laws brought in two years ago also make it a lot easier for the police to tackle drivers who choose to drive whilst under the influence of drugs, with new drug testing kits in place to detect cannabis and cocaine. The consequences if found guilty of a drug driving offence is the same as for drink driving.
Supt Stephen Cullen for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police said:
“Worryingly, and despite many warnings over the years about the dangers of drink/drug driving, there are still far too many reckless drivers ignoring the devastating consequences.
“It’s worrying that we’ve already detected people across West Mercia that are willing to take the risk. Alcohol and drugs both affect your ability to judge speed and distances accurately and slow down your reaction time.
“We’re urging people to think hard about the consequences that a collision could lead to.”
