Staffordshire Police

December crackdown on drink driving

An annual campaign to target drink and drug drivers begins today (1 December) in a bid to drive down fatal and serious road traffic collisions and protect other road users.

The campaign, co-ordinated by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), will run throughout the country and this county from Thursday 1 December 2011 to 1 January 2012 inclusive.

Enforcement and education are essential tools in reducing death and injury on our roads.

Many people socialise after work, in the evening or at the weekend through the festive season.

It is a time when a lot of people drink alcohol and take drugs.

Inspector Ian Hancock, Road Policing Team, said: "Officers will be carrying out roadside stop checks across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent on drivers during the campaign – both at night-time and the morning after.

"Anyone suspected of being over the limit will be breath-tested. All drivers involved in road traffic collisions which the police attend are also tested.

"If you’re going out for a drink with friends or family think of the consequences of drink driving and nominate a designated driver.

"Don’t forget that you could still be over the limit the next morning if you drink the night before.

"Last Christmas we stopped thousands of vehicles and breath-tested over 1,800 drivers – arresting 118 people.

"We are committed to reducing the number of fatal and serious road traffic collisions in Staffordshire."

Driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs is both anti social and dangerous.

It is against the law and the offences committed have both short and long term consequences:

• when you are caught you will be breath tested and if positive you will be arrested
• you will be taken to a police station and if the station test is positive, or you fail or refuse to provide a blood or urine sample, you will be charged
• you will attend court and if found guilty, you will be banned from driving for a period of at least 12 months. You will have to pay a hefty fine, court costs or even be given a prison sentence.

What happens next?

• losing your licence may mean losing your job and your standard of living
• you could lose the respect of friends and family and you will have a criminal record
• you may be excluded from travelling to some countries. When you can drive again you will pay a lot more for insurance cover.

If someone was to be seriously injured or killed as a result of your involvement in a road traffic collision, you could be charged with a more serious offence, the consequences from which will be much more serious and possibly in addition to those already stated:

• your driving ban will be longer
• your fine will be bigger
• you are more likely to go to prison
• the families of those maimed by serious injuries, the injured themselves who may not be able to work again, and the relatives of anyone killed by your actions, will remember you for the rest of their lives.

Insp Hancock added: "Remember, drinking or drug driving is anti social, against the law and it can ruin lives and families.

The family could be yours.

"Is drink or drug driving worth the risk of these consequences?"

Staffordshire County Councillor Mike Maryon, Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: "Motorists who drink and drive not only put their own lives in danger but also risk the lives of innocent people.

"Having a drink and then getting behind the wheel is incredibly irresponsible and can literally destroy lives.

With the Christmas party season now underway, it is understandable that people want to enjoy a drink but they need to be aware that they will be getting more than a hangover if they are caught driving while over the legal alcohol limit.

"The county council will be working very closely with the police to try to make Staffordshire’s roads as safe as possible so that everyone can have a happy and healthy festive season."