A CRACKDOWN on deadly drink-drivers during Christmas launches today. Northumbria Police is vowing to get tough on those who drink and get behind the wheel during the holiday period.
And officers are warning that all motorists involved in crashes during December will be breath-tested, as well as those caught committing a road traffic offence such as speeding, or anyone officers suspect of driving or attempting to drive after consuming alcohol.
Additional breath tests will be carried out by officers from the force’s roads safety and roads policing units, alongside their normal observations of motorists.
Traffic officers will also work closely with neighbourhood policing teams to conduct intelligence-led patrols to targeting those suspected of drink-driving with information being fed in by various sources, including the community.
The crackdown between December 1 and January 1, will run in tandem with a National Association of Chief Police Officer (ACPO) initiative, as well as a Europe-wide alcohol and drug driving campaign from December 10-16.
Chief Insp Peter Reeve, of Northumbria Police’s Operations Command, said: “As always, we will be working hard to make sure the roads are safe for everyone over the festive period.
“As well as routine and additional breath tests, we will be using information from our communities to target those suspected of drink-driving so we can stop them before there are any serious consequences from their thoughtless actions.
“We need people to stop and ask themselves how they are going to get home. The obvious advice is to be responsible and don’t drink before driving. However, there are always options to get home.
“Always ensure someone in your group remains sober and acts as the designated driver, use public transport or book a taxi. Doing one of these simple things could actually be life-changing and the difference between getting home safely or causing death or injury to yourself or others.
“Our message is clear – think before you drink.”
Last year police stopped more than 1,000 motorists between December 1 and January 1.
Of those, 83 drivers failed or refused to take a breathalyser test.
Ellen Booth from the road safety charity Brake added: “The festive period is a time for celebrating with the people you love.
“Risking lives by drinking alcohol or taking drugs, even a small amount, and driving is appallingly selfish, reckless and idiotic.
“It absolutely shouldn’t be a Christmas tradition.
“Everyone can play a role in stamping out drink and drug driving, and the terrible tragedies that result.”
We will be using information from our communities to target those suspected of drink-driving
