Campaign highlights dangers of drink or drug driving during the festive period

With the season of festivities nearly underway the West Mercia Police Safer Roads Partnership today launches its publicity and enforcement campaign to raise awareness of the issues around drink and drug driving.

Pedestrians are also being encouraged to stay safe during the festive season and to plan safe routes home and to drink responsibly.

Figures indicate that, over the past 3 years 9 people were killed and 108 seriously injured in West Mercia following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.

The campaign supports the month long winter drink drive campaign by the National Police Chiefs Council.

Police forces throughout the UK will be working throughout December to make sure the roads are safe for everyone this Christmas.

Superintendent Daryn Elton for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police comments:

“There are still people out there who feel they can gamble with drinking and driving and think they know how much the limit is.

"Cracking down on those who take drugs or drink and then decide to drive is a year round commitment for us. However, we are very aware the festive season can present opportunities where people are tempted to drive under the influence.

"To combat this, extra patrols will be conducted in the run up to and over Christmas and New Year, in a bid to tackle those who commit the unacceptable act of drinking or drug driving. The simple fact is, there is only one way of being sure that you are safe to drive and that is not to drink at all.”