1 in 8 drivers in Lancashire drink or drug driving
It comes a week after police launched their annual drink-driving campaign
A week into Lancashire Police's annual drink and drug driving campaign, they've told us one in eight drivers randomly stoped by the roadside tested positive fro drink or drug driving.
As Christmas Party season gets into full swing, police are warning people about the dangers of driving under the influence and say you can test positive eved the day after the night before.
Officers have given us a list of reasons why they want people to be more responsible...
• Because we’ve attended the very worst of scenes and that trauma never leaves us
• Because we’ve desperately administered first aid at the roadside, fighting for a stranger’s life until the very last second
• Because we’ve cried over people we’ve never actually met.
• Then we’ve wiped our eyes.
• And then we’ve knocked on somebody’s front door to break the worst news imaginable to a mum, daughter, gran, brother, cousin, best friend.
Officer say the campaign will see them out and about between now and the New Year, stopping drivers at checkpoints and targeting people where intelligence suggests they may be drink or drug-driving.
Ch Insp Matt Willmot, of the Lancashire Police Roads Policing Team, said:
“We know that the majority of drivers follow the law and that it is only a small minority who choose to drink or drug-drive.
“However to those people we say this: driving while under the influence is both selfish and utterly reckless and the legal limit is there for a reason. No matter how well you believe you can drive under the influence, you are putting yourself and others in danger of serious harm or death and it is never, ever worth it.
“You could kill somebody, leave them with life-altering injuries, and one drink can be all it takes.
“To those who do follow the law, we have a request. If you know anyone who drink or drug-drives, then please tell us and we will act on it. You may save a life or prevent someone being seriously injured.
“The message is simple: say no to drink or drug-driving so everybody can stay safe this Christmas.”
Andrew Snowden, Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner said:
"Those who put themselves and others at risk need to be aware officers will be out across Lancashire, looking for them.
"The life changing impacts of drink or drug driving are simply not worth getting behind the wheel. This intensification around the festive period builds on the proactive work to tackle this type of reckless behaviour all year round.
"Drink and drug-driving will not be tolerated in Lancashire and I will continue to work with the Constabulary to target dangerous drivers and keep Lancashire safe.”
Drivers risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban if they are caught driving while above the legal limit. Anyone who causes a death while drink or drug driving faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment.