Lancashire Police launch drink and drug driving campaign

We’re launching our annual drink and drug-driving campaign – along with our wish list for Santa.

And #AllWeWantForChristmas is for nobody to drink or drug-drive.

Why?

- Because we’ve attended the very worst of scenes and that trauma never leaves us

- Because we’ve desperately administered first aid at the roadside, fighting for a stranger’s life until the very last second

- Because we’ve cried over people we’ve never actually met.

- Then we’ve wiped our eyes.

- And then we’ve knocked on somebody’s front door to break the worst news imaginable to a mum, daughter, gran, brother, cousin, best friend.

So for Christmas this year, we want everyone to make it home safely.

To that end, we’re launching our Christmas impaired driving campaign today, which will see us out and about between now and the New Year, stopping drivers at checkpoints and targeting people where intelligence suggests they may be drink or drug-driving.

We know everybody will want to indulge in some festive cheer and enjoy the World Cup, but we want to make it clear we will not tolerate anybody putting lives in danger – whether you’ve had a heavy night out or just a little tipple with lunch, you could be over the limit, and the consequences are never worth it.

Ch Insp Matt Willmot, of the Lancashire Police Roads Policing Team, said: “We know that the majority of drivers follow the law and that it is only a small minority who choose to drink or drug-drive.

“However to those people we say this: driving while under the influence is both selfish and utterly reckless and the legal limit is there for a reason. No matter how well you believe you can drive under the influence, you are putting yourself and others in danger of serious harm or death and it is never, ever worth it.
“You could kill somebody, leave them with life-altering injuries, and one drink can be all it takes.
“To those who do follow the law, we have a request: if you know anyone who drink or drug-drives, then please tell us and we will act on it. You may save a life or prevent someone being seriously injured.
“The message is simple: say no to drink or drug-driving so everybody can stay safe this Christmas.”
We will also, this week, be supporting a national week of action against those who drive without insurance.

Andrew Snowden, Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner said: "Those who put themselves and others at risk need to be aware officers will be out across Lancashire, looking for them.
"The life changing impacts of drink or drug driving are simply not worth getting behind the wheel. This intensification around the festive period builds on the proactive work to tackle this type of reckless behaviour all year round.
"Drink and drug-driving will not be tolerated in Lancashire and I will continue to work with the Constabulary to target dangerous drivers and keep Lancashire safe.”
Drivers risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban if they are caught driving while above the legal limit. Anyone who causes a death while drink or drug driving faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

More information on road safety can be found at www.lancashire.police.uk/help-advice/road-safety/

If you do suspect somebody is drink or drug-driving please tell us on 101 or contact us online at doitonline.lancashire.police.uk. Alternatively you can tell Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.