Annual drink and drug driving summer campaign commences on 1 June

There may be a lot to celebrate this summer – a World Cup win, and even possibly a long hot summer - but if you’re going to be drinking, don’t drive.

That’s the message from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) as the annual month long crack down on drunk drivers kicks off on 1 June.

Police officers will be out in force during the campaign in a bid to crack down on those who think they can drink and drive and get away with it. They will also be checking on drivers who may be impaired by drugs.

ACPO lead on drink and drug driving Deputy Chief Constable Adam Briggs said:

“Year on year we have seen an increase in the number of people breath tested by forces across the UK. We are doing more roadside stop and check operations than ever before, at all times of the day and night and on all types of road. And with more drivers stopped than ever before, your chances of getting away with driving under the influence is lower than ever before.”

Last year just over 121,000 people were stopped and tested during the 30-day summer campaign with 5.79 percent testing positive or refusing a test.

Forces around the country are introducing some innovative and creative ways to educate drivers on the dangers of drinking and driving.

Gwent Police has invited a group of children to spread the word that drinking and driving don’t mix through a short film which will be launched on 1 June. In one scene a couple of adults are forced to make their way home on their children’s bike and scooter after being caught driving under the influence of alcohol.

Northamptonshire Police is running a series of radio adverts targeting men with the tag line ‘it takes a hard man to order a soft drink’.

Leicestershire Constabulary is launching their first monthly live web chat with the Roads Policing team on 7 June talking about drinking and driving and their summer campaign.

Deputy Chief Constable Adam Briggs says:

“Summer is generally a time for socialising and having fun and this summer will be no exception. However there may be more reason to celebrate this year than most with a World Cup win firmly set in most people’s sights. The message is clear, have fun, drink if you want to, but don’t get behind the wheel and drive. If you do you will be caught and it’s just not worth the risk.”

http://www.acpo.police.uk/news.asp