A CAMPAIGN to crackdown on drink and drug driving is now in force across the county.
With the number of offences increasing during summer, the Safer Roads Partnership in Warwickshire and West Mercia is aiming to raise awareness of the consequences of driving after drinking or taking drugs.
As part of the campaign, roadside checks will be carried out at all times of the day and night on all types of roads and two hard-hitting viral videos which will be promoted across social media.
During the past three years, 122 people have been killed or seriously injured in West Mercia as a result of collisions involving drink or drugs.
Approximately 45 per cent of drivers in crashes causing death or serious injury involving drink or drugs were aged between 17 and 30. Men made up 82 per cent of those caught.
The immediate consequences for anyone if they are caught drink driving include a minimum 12-month driving ban, up to six months in prison, a fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record.
Vicki Bristow, communications manager for the Safer Roads Partnership, said: “Our campaign aims to highlight the fact that mixing drinking and driving simply isn’t worth the risk.
“Our message is very simple, if you’re driving, don’t drink any alcohol at all. Alcohol affects everyone very differently and any amount can impair your ability to drive.”
New drug driving laws brought in two years ago also make it a lot easier for the police to tackle drivers who choose to drive whilst under the influence of drugs, with new drug testing kits in place to detect cannabis and cocaine.
The consequences if found guilty of a drug-driving offence is the same as for drink driving.
Supt Daryn Elton for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police, said: “Extra patrols will be conducted over the summer in a bid to tackle those who commit the unacceptable act of drinking or drug driving.
“Worryingly, and despite many warnings over the years about the dangers of drink/drug driving, there are still far too many reckless drivers ignoring the devastating consequences.”
