DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE: Vauxhall Corsa collides with lamppost, photograph courtesy of Ian Read of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service
Dorset Police are reminding motorists to make the right choice this Christmas and not drink and drive.
The force launched its Christmas drink and drug drive campaign on Monday 1 December and traffic officers have warned there will be an increase in traffic patrols and roadside checks throughout the festive period.
To date seven people have been charged with a drink or drug drive offence.
As in previous years, anyone charged with a drink or drug drive-related offence during the campaign will have their names and court appearance details released to the media. Custody images of those convicted could also be released to the media.
Every driver who is involved in a collision during this period will be breath tested, irrespective of whether they are suspected of drink driving or not.
If someone is caught drink driving, they will face a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.
Inspector Matt Butler, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “We don’t want to stop people having a good time this Christmas but we will do everything we can to make Dorset’s roads safer for everyone using them.
“Please don’t drink and drive – it is simply not worth the risk.
“I would also like to remind everyone that the morning after can be just as dangerous as the night before so if you have been drinking into the night, there is a strong chance that you may not be fit to drive the morning after. No amount of cold showers or black coffee will change that.”
Inspector Butler is urging people to call the police on 101, or 999 immediately, if they suspect someone is drink or drug driving. Calls can also be made to the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555111.
During the first week of Dorset’s drink and drug drive campaign, officers were called to a road traffic collision on Dorset Way in Poole following reports a black Vauxhall Corsa had collided with a lamppost.
The driver of the car was uninjured.
A 76-year-old Bournemouth man has been charged with driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level is above the limit and driving otherwise in accordance with a licence.
Follow the progress of the drink drive campaign including the number of people charged on Twitter @dorsetpolice #DPXmasdrinkdrive and facebook.com/dorsetpolice.
