The government and police have joined forces to highlight the significant dangers of drinking and driving.
The THINK! Drink Drive campaign is now being promoted.
It warns motorists about the dangers of getting behind the wheel after even just one drink.
More people are stopped and breathalysed at Christmas than any other time in the year. The penalties that drivers could face are among the toughest in Europe.
“Christmas is a time for fun and celebration, and many people will be enjoying a drink or two. That’s great, but if you do, then don’t drive,” commented Meredydd Hughes, chief constable of South Yorkshire Police. “Our message is clear – if you drink and drive, you will be caught and brought to justice.”
The police plan to breath test all drivers involved in collisions during the Christmas period.
Lorraine Farnon, divisional vice president and UK sales director for National Car Rental adds: “At National, we fully support the THINK! Drink Drive campaign. There’s no excuse for drinking and driving.
“If you know you will be tempted, leave the car at work or home. Make alternative arrangements. With some simple planning no-one needs to drive when they have had a drink. Even if it’s just the one.
“And don’t always assume you are safe to drive the next morning. If your alcohol consumption was heavy the night before use other means of transport. Or ask someone else to drive!”
Did you know?
- Drivers involved in an accident are more likely to be breathalysed in December than in any other month
- Some 9,275 drivers tested positive for alcohol during December last year – all of whom faced court proceedings.
- Nearly one in six of all deaths on the road involve drivers who are over the legal alcohol limit.
- The legal limit in the UK is 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.
- Someone who has been out drinking the night before may still be over the legal alcohol limit the following day.
- A driver could still lose their licence if they drive the next day and are found to still be over the legal alcohol level.
For further information on the campaign go to: www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk
£1.5m allocated to Drink Drive campaign throughout December
