Police Christmas Drink Drive Campaigns

These are now underway across the UK and will run until after New Year. They all warn drivers to be very careful and ideally consume no alcohol at all. Take it in turns to be the nominated driver say many, and be aware of the serious

These are now underway across the UK and will run until after New Year. They all warn drivers to be very careful and ideally consume no alcohol at all. Take it in turns to be the nominated driver say many, and be aware of the serious consequences of being caught either drink or drug driving.

Thames Valley has been a little different and has made an appeal to the public to report drink drivers. It has provided a telephone number to make it easy to do this but also emphasises it will be increasing patrols and carrying out tests.
Sussex and Surrey Police puts its message to a well-known tune – Jingle bells, here’s our cells, open every day; if you drive with drink or drugs, you’ll soon be on your way.

It is no laughing matter say police, and indeed it isn’t.

All emphasise the serious consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The penalties are high. Not only will the courts impose a disqualification, but DVLA may not give you your licence back after the ban is over.

The staggering statistic probably replicated across the country is that 1,003 people were killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions in Sussex last year and 74 of them involved a drink-driver.

This time of year does catch drivers out in different ways. The obvious one is a straight drive home from a pub or party, but many are caught out the following day. The “morning-after effect” is often underestimated. On average, it takes about 1 hour for your body to break down 1 unit of alcohol. However, this can vary, depending on your weight. If you drink lots and take only a few hours sleep you take a chance.

Some think that a train journey combined with a bit of a doze has a magical effect on the alcohol but of course, it doesn’t. I have dealt with many drivers caught as police wait at commuter stations.

I have commented before that there are a good number of legal websites telling drivers that these charges can be defended, and I know that after the police have released a driver, many will go straight on the internet to see what can be done. These raise expectations and there is an industry out there that will take large sums of money for little if any gain. I will be writing on this separately as the High Court has yet again criticised certain legal firms for the way in which they seek, unsuccessfully, to defend these charges.

The advice for all drivers is be aware and don’t take a risk either with your life or someone else’s.