Summer drink drive crackdown launched

One drink is too many if you're driving, is the message a summer drink drive crackdown is launched.

The campaign, which kicks off today (Friday 31 May), sees police forces stepping up roadside checks for alcohol and drugs and speaking to the public about the risks. Last summer 83,000 drivers were stopped and breathalysed and 6% failed (or refused).

The road safety charity Brake is urging drivers to pledge to not drink any alcohol before getting behind the wheel.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive of Brake, said: "Even very small amounts of alcohol increase your risk of crashing dramatically, yet every year thousands of drivers risk it, and too often this results in tragedy.

"We need everyone on board with the message that it's none for the road, and if you do risk it, you will be caught.

"Police will be out in force over the next month spreading the message that drink-driving kills and there is no excuse for it.

"We're also urging the government to help end alcohol-induced carnage on our roads, and tackle confusion about what's safe and what's not, by lowering the limit to a zero tolerance level."