Annual winter drink and drug driving campaign launches

Getting behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs is exceptionally reckless and selfish.

That is the harsh truth from Northamptonshire Roads Policing Team as it launches its annual winter campaign against drink and drug driving.

From Sunday, December 1, officers will be joining colleagues from across England and Wales for this year’s National Police Chiefs’ Council’s month-long crackdown – Operation Limit – which aims to keep our roads safer over the festive period.

The main aim of the month-long campaign is to educate road users on the consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, however anyone found to be over the limit will face the full force of the law.

Officers will be carrying out extra patrols along with proactive operations and roadside checks. These will be held at different times, including early morning operations, when drivers could still be impaired from celebrations the night before.

On average, more than 1,800 people are killed or seriously injured on the UK’s roads each year because of drink or drug driving*, while those who cause a death while under the influence face up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

Those fortunate to not be involved in a collision still risk up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban. However, the true cost of a conviction is much higher when you factor in solicitor fees, increased cost of car insurance and possibly a job loss.

In fact, the reality of being convicted of driving over the alcohol or drug limit has a huge impact not only on their lives as they now have a new criminal record, but also the lives of their loved ones and the wider community.

Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Nichols of the Force’s Specialist Operations said: “Working alongside our Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance partners, our focus continues to be reducing the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on our roads.

“It’s not our intention to stop people from having fun, it’s to keep our communities and roads safer throughout December to ensure everyone gets home safely to enjoy the festive season with family and friends.

“Although many people are getting better at being more responsible on our roads, there are still some who will try to justify drink or drug driving, however there’s absolutely no excuse or validation for this type of selfish and reckless behaviour. It’s just unacceptable.

“If you think you are safe to drive after drinking or taking drugs, think again. Even the slightest amount of alcohol or drugs in your system can affect the way you drive, increasing the risk of serious harm to yourself and other road users.

“No one wants to get that terrible knock on the door to tell them someone they love is not coming home. So, please make the right choice and never drive when you’ve had an alcoholic drink or taken an illegal substance.”

As in previous years, drivers charged with drink driving during the winter campaign will again be publicly named on the Northamptonshire Police website and its social media accounts.

Det Chief Insp Nichols added: “We don’t take the decision to continue to name all drivers charged with drink or drug driving lightly, however for anyone who doesn’t want to be included on this list the message is simple – do not drink or drug drive.

“It’s not possible to say how much alcohol you can drink and stay below the limit as the way alcohol affects you depends on various factors, and the risks of getting behind the wheel, not just on the night when you have been drinking, but also the morning after, could be fatal.

“If you’re out and know you will be drinking, make sure you have plans for getting home safely without driving. If you do have to drive, our advice is to avoid alcohol completely. The only safe limit is none.”

Drink and drug driving is one of the main contributors in collisions and is one of the fatal five driving offences, alongside careless driving, not wearing a seat belt, excessive speed, and using a mobile phone whilst behind the wheel.

During last year’s campaign, 97 road users were charged with driving while over the alcohol limit and 37 arrested for failing a roadside drug test. This compared to 99 and 18 respectively for the same period in 2022.

To report suspected drink or drug driving in confidence, call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency when life is in immediate danger, always call 999. Or for more information visit www.northants.police.uk/dontdrinkdrive

* Figures taken from STATS19 data.