DURING December police will be cracking down on drivers who get behind the wheel after a heavy drinking session – still over the limit.
In an effort to keep people safe while travelling to see their families at Christmas, West Midlands Police officers will also be focusing on anyone driving under the influence of drugs.
Any driver caught drink or drug driving faces penalty points, losing their licence or even time behind bars. Research published by Drinkaware reveals some people have significantly increased their alcohol consumption at home during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Sergeant Dave Bickley, from the force’s road harm prevention team, said: “The Christmas period is a time for celebration and some may be some tempted to overdo things after an incredibly difficult year.
“But not drinking at a pub does not dissolve you of becoming a drink driver. You will still be over the limit after popping out after home drinking, and the next morning if you’ve heavily consumed the night before.
“We’ve seen a rise in drug driving this year and this operation will see us test those we believe may have taken illegal substances.
“We’ll be monitoring roads throughout the month – including after Christmas – as part of the traditional festive season campaign. Our aim is to catch offenders and keep people safe, as we’ve sadly seen the tragic consequences of drink or drug driving too many times.”
More than 30,000 breath tests were taken nationally during last year’s operation over a two-week period in December, of which over 3,231 motorists failed or refused to provide a sample. Another 1,175 drivers failed a roadside drug test.
Data published by the road safety charity Brake reports that when just over the legal limit, you are still six times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than someone who has not been drinking alcohol.
By behaving responsibly on the roads you can reduce the risk of seriously injuring yourself and others in a collision, police say.
