Cleveland Police supports summer driving safety campaign

Cleveland Police are taking part in a summer campaign to tackle drink and drug driving.

The national campaign led by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) from Monday 21st August, focuses on both education and enforcement where appropriate.

Officers from Cleveland Police Roads Policing Unit will carry out patrols and anyone suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be tested. Those who are found to be under the influence and therefore putting their lives at risk and the lives of other road users, will be removed from Cleveland’s roads.

Driving under the influence remains one of the main four causes of serious or fatal road traffic collisions.

Police are also reminding anyone who may be drinking at summer BBQ’s or out at the pub that alcohol and drugs can remain in someone’s system for extended periods of time, and whilst someone may feel fit enough to drive the next morning, they could still be in excess of the legal limit.

Inspector Steve Clyburn, from Cleveland Police Roads Policing Unit, said:

“All year round we take part in national campaigns like this one in order to try to keep people as safe as we possibly can on our roads.

“It is staggering that people still take risks with their lives and others lives by driving whilst under the influence and, sadly, we as roads policing officers see firsthand the devastation caused by these incidents, which could be so easily avoided.

“Throughout this campaign we will have a particular focus on driving under the influence and those who take these risks can expect to be put before the courts and potentially lose their licence.”

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