THE CONSEQUENCES of drink driving have been highlighted ahead of the festive period.
Bosses at West Mercia and Warwickshire Police and Safer Roads Partnership have joined forces to launch this year’s Christmas campaign.
Beer mats and other materials have been distributed across pubs and clubs in the region to make people think twice about drinking and driving.
Figures show over the past three years, 187 people were either killed or seriously injured across the region following crashes where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor. An additional 715 suffered less serious injuries.
Vicki Bristow, communications manager at the Safer Roads Partnership, said: “There are still people out there who feel they can gamble with drinking and driving and think they know how much the limit is but the simple fact is there is only one way of being sure that you are safe to drive and that is not to drink at all.”
Supt Lee Davenport added: “Cracking down on those who take drugs or drink and then drive is a year-round commitment for both forces. However, we are very aware the festive season can present opportunities where people are tempted to drive after taking drugs or drinking.
“To combat this, extra patrols will be conducted in the run up to and over Christmas and New Year, in a bid to tackle those who commit the unacceptable act of drinking or drug driving.
“Worryingly, and despite many warnings over the years about the dangers of drink or drug driving, there are still far too many reckless drivers ignoring the devastating consequences. Alcohol and drugs both affect your ability to judge speed and distances accurately and slow down your reaction time. We’re urging people to think hard about the consequences that a collision could lead to.”