Emergency Services Team Up For Drink/Drug Drive Campaign

Emergency services have launched a campaign urging people not to drive under the influence of drink or drugs in the run-up to Christmas.

Over 230 drivers were arrested on Leicestershire and Northamptonshire’s roads last December, including four at the scenes of crashes in the Harborough district.

Additional roadside checks will be carried out by Police during the next few weeks.

Detective Inspector Steve Kilsby from the Leicestershire force spoke to HFM:

Det Insp Steve Kilsby & EMAS’s Tom Smart at the launch of the campaign.

East Midlands Ambulance Service is supporting the campaign, as when its crews attend crashes caused by a driver under the influence, they are unable to respond to other life-threatening emergencies.

Station Manager Tom Smart spoke to HFM

As in previous years, drivers charged with drink driving during the winter campaign in Northamptonshire will be publicly named by Police.

Det Chief Insp Nichols from the Northamptonshire force said: “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.”

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.

To report suspected drink or drug driving in confidence, call  Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency when life is in immediate danger, always call 999.