Campaign highlights drink-drive dangers

4:48pm Thursday 7th August 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A CAMPAIGN highlighting the potential consequences of drink or drug driving has been launched.

The campaign, called “The End” and aimed at 17-24 year olds across the county, has been launched by the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia.

It uses a story board approach to show how choosing to drive after having consumed alcohol or drugs could bring the end to much of what young people take for granted in their lives.

The campaign aims to show that alcohol and drugs impair the ability to drive safely, increasing the risk of causing a collision and injuring or even killing someone.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “If you are going out over the summer break, why not leave your car at home and use public transport?

“Alternatively, designate a non-drinking driver, someone who you know will get you home safely.

“It is ok to say ‘no’ if you think someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol and wants to drive. Don’t turn a happy occasion into a nightmare.”

Part of the campaign warns motorists about the consequences of getting caught driving, having consumed alcohol and drugs.

These include fines, prison sentences and driving bans, with endorsements for an offence remaining on a licence for 11 years.

Causing death by careless driving, when under the influence of drink or drugs, carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, a minimum two-year driving ban and a requirement to pass an extended driving test.

One of the campaign adverts shows a young woman being breathalysed the morning after a night out to show how people can still find themselves over the legal drink drive limit the following day.

Research indicates many motorists are confused by how much they can legally drink before driving.

The campaign says that because of the varying strengths of drinks and differing metabolic rates, the only way to be sure driving is not impaired is to completely avoid drinking.

Sgt John Roberts, from West Mercia Constabulary, said: “The summer period can present opportunities – such as barbecues and summer parties – where people may be tempted to drive after taking drink or drugs.

“This is totally unacceptable and ruins hundreds of lives every year.

“The message is very simple – if you are drinking at an event or with friends this summer, don’t drive and if you are driving then don’t drink.

“Taking illicit drugs is against the law in any case but if you combine it with driving, you become a crash waiting to happen.”

The participating agencies of the Safer Roads Partnership include Herefordshire Council, the Highways Agency and Herefordshire and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.