Christmas drink driving campaign

The Christmas festivities have come round again and Rochdale’s Highways Casualty Reduction Team, Greater Manchester Police and other organisations are reminding people not to drink or take drugs and drive.

It’s a lot easier to be over the limit than most people think. Just a small amount of alcohol can very quickly affect a driver’s reactions and capability. The body takes an hour to consume every unit of alcohol from when you stop drinking, so drinking a large amount could mean that you are not safe to drive for 24 hours or longer. For users of illegal drugs the effects on drivers’ reactions can be far worse, and last as long as three days.

Stuart Howarth, a Highways Casualty Reduction Officer at Rochdale Borough Council’s Impact Partnership said: “Drink or drug driving at any time is illegal and dangerous for you and other road users, but over the festive period when the temptation might be greater, the Police are likely to catch you. The offence comes with a criminal record so if you are applying for a job, you have to declare it. It simply does not go away after your driving ban expires.”

Chief Inspector Mark Dexter from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said last year more than 7,000 drivers from across Greater Manchester were tested during the month-long campaign, with more than 10 percent testing positive:

“The message of this campaign is to be responsible and don’t drink or take drugs before driving. Ensure someone in your group remains sober and acts as designated driver or take public transport - that way everyone is sure to get home safely. The only true safe drink drive limit is to drink no alcohol at all”.

“Christmas is a time for family and friends, and no police officer wants to have to knock on someone’s door and deliver the message that a loved one has died or been seriously injured at the hands of a drink or drug driver. If you drink alcohol or take drugs before driving, we will catch up with you. We and our partners are determined to make our roads safer and this starts by targeting those who recklessly drink and drug drive.”

Chairman of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton added:

“In 2010, 62 people were killed or seriously injured on the roads of Greater Manchester by people drink-driving. Do not become one of the statistics this Christmas.”

If you see someone drink driving this Christmas call Greater Manchester Police on the new non-emergency number 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.