Suffolk Police: the rise in fatal drunk driving crashes 'extremely worrying'
2021 had the highest number of fatal drunk driving collisions since 2009
Suffolk Police say they're not giving up and will continue to campaign, educate and prosecute where necessary for drunk driving.
It comes after the latest data released by the Department for Transport shows that 2021 had the highest number of fatal drunk driving collisions since 2009.
Tim Passmore is Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner, and tells us the force takes drink driving very seriously and are "doing what they possibly can to raise the profile" of the dangers of drunk driving.
He told us Suffolk Police has ongoing campaigns running throughout the year, and are mindful of how drinking patterns can be influenced by multiple things such as the weather, occasions and even sports events.
They also have "days of action" and work in schools on the issue: "We do a lot on education... to really highlight the dangers that this involves for other road users and that can go from pedestrians to those in commercial vehicles, farmers and ordinary motorists."
"We're not giving up"
He told
He continued, saying they've tried everything they can think of to tackle the issue: "We don't know what else we can really do."
Despite the worry, Tim assured us they will continue to be vigilant and proactive on this problem and that "it's not acceptable in any circumstance to be over the limit and the limit is there to keep people safe...
"There's a tiny minority that somehow thinks they are beyond the law and these people shouldn't be on the road at all. It's as simple as that. This is ongoing and we're not giving up on it...
"We've got to do everything we possibly can and we don't give up on this, but it is nonetheless extremely worrying and very disappointing."
Methods in place
Tim advised that plans should be made in advance if you are going out: "Either have a designated driver, get a taxi or stay around someone's house".
He also emphasised that the legal limit is not a target for people to reach.
He explained traffic officers and other police offers are always able to do a breath analysis and drug driving wipes:
"If you are caught and the test proved positive, you will be prosecuted and punished severely."
Those caught drink driving can be put on a driving ban and have their licence taken as well as facing jail time.