Region cracks down on Drink Driving
As national summer drink drive figures are released today, the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia is reporting a drop in those people that provided a positive breath test after being stopped and breathalysed after a collision.
During 1st June – 30th June nearly 7% of those tested after a collision either tested positive for drink or drugs or refused or failed to give a test; over the same period last year this was 10%.
Last month the Safer Roads Partnership and West Mercia Police issued a high profile publicity warning advising motorists that enforcement of drink drive offences would be a high priority for West Mercia Police. Historically the summer months and warmer weather brings an increase in drink drive offences and officers have been out in force to try and tackle this issue with targeted enforcement.
The enforcement campaign coincided with the launch on 1 June of the summer drink drive campaign by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). During the length of the campaign across West Mercia there were 153 people that either tested positive for drink or drugs or refused or failed to provide a test.
The immediate consequences for anyone if they are caught drink or drug driving include a minimum 12 month driving ban, up to 6 months in prison, a fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record. A conviction for drink or drug driving can have a major impact on the future prospects of a young person. For example, it may lead to job loss and significant problems when applying for a job in the future.
Driving after drinking or taking drugs significantly increases the chances of a person being involved in or causing a collision. The maximum penalty of being convicted of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs is 14 years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, disqualification from driving for at least 2 years and a mandatory extended driving test.
Vicki Bristow, Communications Manager at the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia, says:
“It’s encouraging that the number of positive breath tests after a collision are reducing however, there are still a significant number of motorists ignoring the simple message that drinking or taking drugs and driving ruins lives. Driving after drinking or taking drugs will continue to be a focus for both the Safer Roads Partnership and West Mercia Police over this year to ensure West Mercia roads become safer for all”.
Supt Lee Davenport of West Mercia Police comments:
“Despite our many warnings there are still far too many irresponsible drivers ignoring the devastating consequences that drinking and driving can cause for them, their family, friends and other road users. Anyone who drives after they have been drinking is gambling not only with their own lives, but also with the lives of their passengers and the lives of other road users”.
“Enforcing the drink driving law is a year round activity for West Mercia Police. Roadside checks have and continue to be carried out at all times of the day and night and on all types of road and drivers will be automatically tested if a collision occurs. Our message to motorists is if you are drinking, don’t drive – it really is as simple as that. Drinking and driving is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in West Mercia”
