Information published by
the road safety charity Brake shows that even when someone
is only just over the legal limit they are still six times more
likely to be involved in a fatal collision than someone who has
drunk nothing.
Police will be stopping anyone suspected of drink or drug
driving, operating stop sites across the country and performing
both breath and drug testing. Anyone found to be over the limit
will face the full force of the law.
During last year’s operation, which took place over a two-week
period in December, more than 30,000 breath tests were taken,
of which over 3,231 motorists failed or refused to provide a
sample. In addition, 1,175 drivers failed a roadside drug test.
Whilst the initial lockdown saw dramatically fewer cars on the
roads, the number of vehicles is almost back at normal levels.
This year’s drink drive operation comes as research published by
Drinkaware showed that some people have significantly
increased their alcohol consumption at home during the
lockdown.
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Roads Operations,
Commander Kyle Gordon said:
“I understand that this year has been incredibly difficult for
everyone, and we all want to enjoy the festive season with
loved ones; possibly even more this year than in others. It is
certainly not our intention to stop anyone from celebrating
during the Christmas period, but it remains a reality that
drink or drug driving can, and does, kill.
“Tragically, the Christmas period is the time of the year when
motorists seem to accept the risk of drinking and driving on
our roads. Disappointingly, it is also the time of year when
family and friends seem to tolerate their loved ones taking
this risk, when they wouldn’t dream of condoning this type of
behaviour at other times of the year.
“Drivers must be aware of the risks of getting behind the
wheel, not just on an evening when they have been drinking, but
also the morning after. Sleeping it off or having a large cup
of coffee won’t clear the body of alcohol or dull its effects.
The only thing that can sober you up is time, and it’s safest
not to drink at all if you are driving early the next day.
“My advice is the same as always; do not drink or drug drive,
and do not let anyone you know do so either. The chances of
being caught, put in a police cell and losing your driving
licence and your job, is high. More importantly, the risk of
destroying a life and causing death or serious injury is also
incredibly high.”
Officers across the UK will be on patrol morning and night to
catch people who flout the law.
Drivers risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine
and a substantial driving ban if they are caught driving while
above the legal limit. Anyone who causes a death while drink or
drug driving faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
