North Yorkshire Police launches new Christmas drink and drug driving campaign
A powerful video highlights the dangers of drink and drug driving
A new campaign by North Yorkshire Police aims to raise awareness of the dangers of drink and drug driving during the festive season.
The campaign launched today, Monday 1st December 2025, with a video shared on the force’s Instagram and Facebook channels. Produced with the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership, the video highlights the devastating consequences of driving under the influence and targets men aged 17–29. This demographic has been identified as significantly overrepresented in fatal collisions involving drink or drugs, according to national statistics.
The holiday crackdown
For the next four weeks, North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group will increase patrols during peak times, such as evenings and mornings, when drivers may still be over the alcohol limit.
Using targeted intelligence and local hotspot knowledge, officers will deploy marked and unmarked vehicles along with roadside checkpoints in a bid to intercept drivers found over the limit.
Those caught driving under the influence could face severe penalties, including six months in jail, an unlimited fine, and a driving ban of at least one year.
The campaign runs nationally until Wednesday 31st December 2025, with updates shared on North Yorkshire Police’s social media channels. Members of the public are urged to report suspected drink or drug driving immediately by calling 999.
A clear message
Roads Policing lead for North Yorkshire Police, Inspector Clive Turner, emphasised the importance of safe choices during the festive period.
“As the festive season begins, we want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the very real dangers of driving under the influence of drink or drugs. This is not just about breaking the law; it’s about preventing tragedy.
“I strongly encourage you to take a moment to watch the video we’ve produced. The message is clear: if you make the wrong choice and decide to drive after drinking alcohol, the consequences can be devastating, not only for you, but for your family, friends, and innocent road users.
“If you believe it won’t happen to you, you are mistaken. Every collision starts with someone thinking exactly that.
“And we know all too painfully what it feels like to knock on a door and tell someone their son, daughter, or loved one won’t be coming home for Christmas.
“Our advice is simple and uncompromising: avoid alcohol and drugs completely if you plan to drive. The only safe limit is none.”