Police clamp down on driving offences in Gloucestershire
Statistically July sees the highest number of people killed or seriously injured on UK roads.
With summer catch ups and get togethers fast approaching drivers are reminded to plan ahead and think about how they will get home.
Whilst research shows a lot of drink drivers have the 'it won’t happen to me’ mentality when choosing to drink or drug drive, they are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than sober drivers.
Gloucestershire Constabulary is joining police forces in supporting a national campaign targeting the "Fatal Four" causes of collisions where people are killed or seriously injured.
Operation Spotlight focuses on those who drive under the influence of drink or drugs, use a mobile phone while behind the wheel, drive at inappropriate speed and don't wear a seatbelt.
During the campaign motorists can expect to see more roadside police checks in both urban and rural areas across the county.
Inspector Martyn Murawa from the Roads Policing Unit said: "We want to do everything we can to ensure the roads of Gloucestershire are as safe as possible.
"Our campaign will see an increased presence on the county’s roads with officers conducting roadside checks focusing on the "Fatal Four" causes of road deaths.
"We hope that the residents of Gloucestershire take their responsibilities as a road user seriously this summer as sadly we do see an increase in fatal and serious injury collisions over the summer months.
"Everyone has their own part to play in making our roads safer, choosing to make good decisions and encouraging family and friends to do the same."
Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said, "While most people’s attitudes to driving under the influence of drink and drugs have changed for the better, the statistics are proof that we still need campaigns like this in order to remind those who put their own selfish and irresponsible attitudes first that adopting a zero approach to alcohol won’t ruin your summer, but it might save a life.
"And when you share the experiences of those who have killed someone, or lost a loved-one in this way, you realise what a terrible and senseless waste it is.
"Hopefully, more roadside checks will act as both a reminder and a deterrent, to those who stubbornly refuse to change their behaviour."