| HERTS POLICE
LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO TACKLE DRINK & DRUG DRIVING
OVER FESTIVE SEASON
HERTFORDSHIRE Constabulary is launching a month-long
county-wide campaign today to combat drink and drug
driving over the festive season.
The campaign, which starts today and runs up until
January 1, aims to inform motorists of the consequences
of drinking or taking drugs and then getting behind
the wheel. It also serves to warn anyone tempted that
if they do drink and drive, they are very likely to
be caught and arrested.
Officers have been briefed to carry out breath tests
and, where relevant, Field Impairment Tests* (FIT)
to all drivers involved in any road collisions they
attend. They will also be on the lookout for any suspicious
driving and will stop and check anyone suspected of
committing a driving offence, as part of their usual
patrols.
"This is an issue we take very seriously in Hertfordshire,"
said Chief Inspector Donna Pierce from the Road Policing
Strategic Unit. "Last year's campaign saw an increase
in those arrested for driving whilst under the influence
of drink or drugs - anyone tempted to do so this year
can rest assured they will be targeted by officers
in the same way.
"Make sure you enjoy the party season safely. If you
go out for a drink, arrange a safe way to get home
- why not get a lift from a trusted friend who hasn't
been drinking, or use a registered taxi?
"Never be tempted to take the chance that you're under
the legal limit. Any amount of alcohol affects your
reactions, and not only could you ruin your Christmas,
lose your license and even your job, you could seriously
injure or kill yourself, someone close to you or somebody
else's loved one."
Hertfordshire Constabulary advises the following alternatives
to drink driving:
If you have to take the car, make sure you stick
to non-alcoholic drinks rather than having one glass
of wine or a pint of beer and hoping you'll be under
the legal limit you can't calculate your limit so
don't try to.
Take it in turns for one of your party to be the
designated driver on nights out.
Leave the car at home and use public transport or
take a registered taxi - why not pre-book one with
a reputable company before you go out.
Stick to soft drinks it tends to be a cheaper
alternative as well as helping you avoid that morning
after the night before' feeling.
If you know a drink driver, you can help by calling
us on 0845 33 00 222 and telling us where and when
they drink. If you know someone has been drinking
and is about to drive, always dial 999.
If you are found to be driving whilst under the influence
of drink or drugs you can face:
A minimum of a 12-month disqualification, as well
as a fine and/or imprisonment.
The offence of causing death by careless driving
whilst under the influence of drink or drugs now carries
a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment and a
disqualification of at least 2 years.
The legal alcohol limit for driving is 80mg of alcohol
per 100ml of blood but there is no failsafe guide
to the amount of alcohol that a driver can safely
consume. The amount and type of alcoholic drink, the
weight, sex and metabolism of the driver all play
a part. Any amount of alcohol affects driving ability
- a motorist's ability to judge speed and distance
may be impaired, their reaction times may be slowed
and their judgement of risk seriously affected.
The Hertfordshire anti-drink-driving campaign supports
the national initiative by the Association of Chief
Police Officers (ACPO) which runs from December 1
to January 1, and the European Traffic Police Network
(TISPOL) campaign which runs from December 7 to December
13.
*A FIT comprises an examination of the eye pupils
and four psycho physical tests which indicates whether
a person's ability to drive is impaired.
December 2009
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