Plea to stay safe on Wiltshire's roads this New Year's Eve
'Plan ahead if you're going out to celebrate'
Last updated 30th Dec 2021
Wiltshire Police are urging people to book taxis and lifts, if they're out celebrating the New Year.
They don't want people to be drink driving and will be cracking down on those that do.
The drink and drug drive campaign, which was launched at the beginning of December, runs for the whole month, so officers will be raising awareness of the potential dangers and consequences of being over the limit while being behind the wheel.
Last year across 2020, a total of 670 people in Wiltshire were arrested on suspicion of drink driving and over 790 on suspicion of drug driving.
On just the second day of this year's campaign, a man was arrested on suspicion of drink and drug driving in Tidworth.
Inspector Mark Freeman, Head of Wiltshire's Roads Policing Unit, said:
“We have all heard of the devastating consequences drink or drug driving can have, and we all need to support each other to make the right decision when it comes to staying safe.
“Don’t let friends drink or drug drive.
“Quite simply, we all need to look out for each other and be the voice of safety and reason when needed.
“Plan ahead if you are going out, find alternative transport or accommodation or take turns to be the designated driver. If you’re staying in, make sure you have everything you need and put the car keys away.
“Remember drugs and alcohol can stay in your system for a number of hours so no matter what the social setting you could still be over the limit the next morning.
“Drink or drug driving is simply not worth the risk.”
HAMPSHIRE FIGURES
Meanwhile, the stats from the first two weeks of Hampshire Police's campaign have now been released.
Across the county and the Isle of Wight there were 567 breath tests conducted, with ten positive results.
While there were also 78 drug wipes were carried out, with 35 positive results.
Officers made a total of 138 arrests, 84 for drink driving and 54 for drug driving.
Sergeant Dave Hazlett, of Hampshire & Thames Valley Police Road Safety Unit, said:
“For anyone out there considering driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs over the festive period, these figures should act as a serious warning.
“We are out in your communities, and if we know the signs of drink and drug driving – so is it worth the risk of being caught, let alone the harm you could do to yourself and other road users?
“Drink and drug driving is one of the four main causes of injury and death on our roads. Even the slightest amount in your system could reduce your ability to drive safely, therefore increasing the risk of causing serious harm to yourself or others.
“Our priority is always to make the roads safer for everyone.”
If you know of anyone who is drink or drug driving call 999 in an emergency, 101 with information or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.