Police have issued a warning to Christmas revellers who get behind the wheel while still over the drink driving limit the morning after festive celebrations.
Northamptonshire Police will tomorrow begin an annual Christmas crackdown on drink driving, with this year’s emphasis being placed on catching the so-called “morning after” drink drivers.
The four-week festive campaign is being run throughout December.
Northamptonshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable, Suzette Davenport, who is also the national lead for roads policing, said: “December can be a busy month with lots of social events where alcohol is on offer. We are in no way party-poopers, but we do want people to be safe on our roads.
“All we are asking is for people to make sure that if they are planning to go out and have a drink that they have plans to get home safely without driving. The best way to avoid being put in a difficult position if you do have to drive is to not drink any alcohol at all. The only safe limit is none.”
Last year, more than 2,500 breath tests were carried out across the county, catching out 117 people.
DCC Davenport added: “One of our primary focuses this year is on those drivers who have consumed a large amount of alcohol during the evening.
“After going to bed they get up in the morning and think nothing of getting behind the wheel even though there is still a likelihood they are over the drink drive limit and so are not safe to be on our roads.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol is a primary factor in 25 per cent of all road deaths and during last years campaign the number of collisions involving people over the drink drive limit rose by 12 per cent nationally.”
Extra officers will be drafted in during the campaign, while members of the Special Constabulary will also be supporting the initiative.
Posters and leaflets will be used throughout the month, asking people where they will be sleeping tonight?
DCC Davenport added: “Christmas is a time for family and friends. 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. I am determined to make our roads safer and this starts by removing from our roads those individuals who recklessly drink and drug drive.”
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