Hampshire Constabulary shares details of this latest anti drink-driving campaign. Ed
Give drink and drug driving the red card this summer.
That’s the message from Hampshire Constabulary, as we kick start our summer drink and drug driving operation today (Friday, June 10) in support of the national campaign by the National Police Chief’s Council.
As Euro 2016 begins and we look forward to an exciting tournament, we are urging drivers to think twice before taking the risk of drink and drug driving.
Between Friday, June 10 and Sunday July 10, officers will be pro-actively patrolling and targeting high risk locations and carrying out hundreds of tests during the day and night to ensure that people who recklessly take the decision to drink and/or drug drive during the tournament will be caught.
Sergeant Rob Heard said:
“A number of drivers continue to ignore the risks and drive their vehicle after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Despite the recent fall in drink-driving convictions, the harm caused by those who still drink-drive is in fact increasing.
“The government’s estimated there are over 200 fatalities every year caused directly by drink and drug drivers. There are many more casualties who suffer serious, life changing injuries that in many cases require lifelong care. We want to make drivers aware of both the risks involved by drink/drug driving, but the serious penalties which they will face if they are caught.
“Combining illegal drugs with alcohol are especially deadly since it has been found that drivers who’ve consumed both are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than sober drivers.”
New legislation
Officers are now better equipped than ever to stop arrest and convict those who drink or take drugs and get behind the wheel. Under new legislation, drink drivers with a breath specimen of less than 51mg/100ml are no longer entitled to request a blood or urine sample.
Sgt Rob Heard, added:
“If you’re celebrating or commiserating during Euro 2016, don’t drive while under the influence and give yourself to process any alcohol before driving the next morning. It’s a simple decision for drivers, have fun and enjoy the summer but don’t drive if you’ve had a drink, It’s not worth the risk.”
Warnings for festival-goers
This message was shared with festival-goers waiting for ferries across to the Isle of Wight Festival were given drink drive leaflets and information about the risks involved of drink and drug driving.
The Isle of Wight Ferry terminals in Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington all had staff involved in road safety from Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire County Council and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, giving out advice and engaging with motorists as they waited to board.
Get in touch
If you suspect someone is driving while unfit to do so, please report it immediately on 101 (or 999 if they are posing imminent danger) or phone it through anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. We also have an anonymous text service to report a drink driver, 80999 with details of the vehicle, driver, location and times.
