Northamptonshire Police unveiled their annual crusade against alcohol and drugs on Monday 21 November 2022, and the message remains the same for anyone tempted to take the wheel under the influence: you’ll get caught.
Officers across the Force will be part of the widespread crackdown to target those who drink, use drugs and drive in an effort to make our communities and roads safer over the next six weeks.
Traditionally held during the festive period, this year’s operation began two weeks early to coincide with the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and will end on Monday, January 2, 2023.
For the first time in its history, the tournament is played in winter, and matches are played at what is usually a historically busy time for licensing trading, with other people collecting for festive celebrations.
While officials conduct breath tests throughout the year, over the next six weeks, more people are expected to celebrate the holidays or watch soccer at licensed venues, at home or visiting circles of family and friends.
With the greatest threat to road users getting behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs, more patrols will be organized in the county, as well as proactive operations and traffic stops.
Activities will take place at other times, adding operations early in the morning, when other people might be driving after having eaten alcohol or drugs the night before and not knowing they are still over the limit and driving intoxicated.
During last year’s campaign, 83 motorists were charged with driving over the alcohol limit and thirteen arrested for failing to pass a drug test on the road. This compared to 47 and 16 respectively for the same time in 2020, this took position with the Covid-19 rules still in place. position.
The main objective of the crusade is to educate road users about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, whoever exceeds the limit will face the full force of the law.
However, as in previous years, drivers charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the six-week crusade will again be publicly named on Northamptonshire Police’s online page and social media accounts.
Inspector Ian Wills of the Northamptonshire Police Highway Police Team said: “Working together with our partners in the Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance, our aim remains to reduce the number of other people killed or seriously injured on our roads. Other people have fun, our goal is to make sure everyone returns home safely, and that no one gets that terrible knock on the door to tell them the devastating news that a loved one has died or been seriously injured.
“It takes a few seconds to have a collision that can replace your life or the life of an innocent bystander and their family. How would you feel knowing that your movements caused a collision and devastated an entire family?
“It’s not imaginable to know how much alcohol you can drink and stay under the limit because how alcohol affects you depends on various points and the dangers of getting behind the wheel, not just the night you drank, but also the next morning, can be fatal.
“If you faint and know you’re drinking now, make sure you have plans to get home without driving. If you have to drive, our recommendation is to avoid alcohol altogether. The only restriction is none.
“While most of us know how harmful it is to take on the threat of driving under the influence and receive this message every year, I make sure some will still choose to forget it. Please don’t be one of those. “
“We didn’t resolve to keep calling all drivers charged with driving or drugs lightly, but for those who don’t need to be on this list, the message is simple: Don’t drive or get high. “
Drivers who cause death while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs face up to 14 years in prison. Really extensive driving ban.
However, the Institute for Advanced Motorists estimates that a driving or drug conviction can cost up to £70,000 due to fines, legal fees, emerging car insurance prices and lost jobs.
To report drugged driving confidentially, call the Drivewatch hotline at 0800 174615 or dial 101. In case of emergency, call 999.
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