Suffolk police is highlighting the dangers of driving whilst under the influence
They are encouraging people to be cautious and prepared, to be safe rather than sorry
Last updated 4th Dec 2023
As the festive season begins Suffolk police are campaigning to highlight the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.
They are joining with other emergency services and Roadsafe partners to launch the annual Christmas campaign.
The month-long initiative throughout December is in conjunction with a UK-wide operation organised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
'There’s No Excuse’ is this year’s message and the campaign will see officers carrying out roadside checks throughout the day and night - including early morning checks - as well as intelligence-led enforcement activity."
Inspector Gary Miller from Norfolk and Suffolk Roads policing told us what the reaction has been from some families who have been affected: "Their whole lives are shattered, and the impact can not be underestimated.
"What you hear back from the families afterwards is if only they had called me. If only they had given me a text to say they were stuck, they'd had a drink. I would have come out and collected them."
Plan ahead
The police are advising people who know they are going to have a drink to make arrangements on how they are getting home beforehand.
They suggest making "connections with friends and family to say, if you ever need me and you're under the influence, or something like that - I will come and get you or I'll provide you the money for a taxi. It's just about supporting each other as you go forward."
Inspector Gary Miller said, even if you are stuck, its better to call someone in the early hours and have them be annoyed, then take any risks.
"I am sure they'd much rather get a 3 am wake-up call asking you to come and get them, then a knock on the door from the police."