South Yorkshire Police issue drink & drug driving warning ahead of festive season
A new campaign to crack down on illegal drivers has started this week
As the countdown to Christmas begins and the festive celebrations are underway, South Yorkshire Police are urging drivers to remember that they take a zero-tolerance to drink and drug driving.
Stopping drivers who are unfit to be behind the wheel is daily business for officers, as reducing casualties and fatalities on the roads remains a roads policing priority.
As December gets underway, officers will be targeting those who get behind the wheel of a car having drank alcohol or consumed drugs.
No amount of alcohol in your system is safe and the effects of drink and drugs can have devastating consequences. Within 24 hours of testing positive you can be charged and appear before the courts.
Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings explains more, he said: “The greatest gift you can give someone this Christmas is protect them and their loved ones.
“No one starts their journey and thinks they won’t make it to work, a friends or home. We’ve already seen too many people sadly lose their lives on South Yorkshire’s roads this year, and this Christmas we want everyone to return to their families.
“We know that majority of drivers do not drink or take drugs and drive, and we’re thankful for your help in creating safer roads, but for those few who think it is acceptable, we’re urging you is it worth the risk?
“We want people to think about the consequences; you could lose your job, your family, and even kill yourself or someone else.”
South Yorkshire Police's enforcement efforts will be supported by a joint awareness campaign with South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP).
During December 2022, officers stopped over 1000 vehicles and conducted over 900 breath tests. Of those, 119 people failed, refused or tested positive for alcohol.
Driving under the influence of drink or drugs could result in a driving ban, unlimited fine or prison sentence. Even worse, it could result in a serious or fatal collision.
Inspector Collings added: “Make a plan before you leave the house – if you’re having a drink, you need to book a taxi, use public transport or walk home if you can. Leave the car at home to avoid temptation.
“We will be out there day and night and will be carrying out enforcement check sites and targeting dedicated activity.
“We wish everyone in South Yorkshire a safe and merry Christmas.”
You can follow the campaign on SYSRP social media channels @SYSafer Roads or for more information visit: https://sysrp.co.uk/campaign/drinkdriving