Dorset Police releases impactful video in support of summer drink and drug driving campaign
From today, Monday 21 August until Sunday 27 August 2023, Dorset Police are supporting the National Police Chief’s Council’s (NPCC) summer campaign, which looks to discourage people who might be tempted to drive under the influence of drink or drugs.
Over the course of the campaign, officers from Dorset Police will be increasing operational activity and reminding Dorset residents about the importance of reporting those believed to be driving under the influence.
Drink and drug driving is one of the ‘fatal five’ causes of serious injuries and deaths on the regions’ roads. Between 1 January and 1 July 2023, Dorset Police arrested 480 people who were caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
As a stark reminder of the consequences of driving under the influence, the Force have released a video containing dash cam footage of an incident involving a drink driver. The video also contains instructions about what to do if you suspect someone may be drink or drug driving.
Inspector Craig Tatton, of the Dorset Police Roads Policing Team, said: "Unfortunately, we see all too often the devastating consequences of people driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“In the first six months of this year, our officers have made 480 arrests in relation to drink and drug driving - 330 tested positive for alcohol and 214 tested positive for drugs.
"If you think you are safe to drive after drinking or taking drugs, think again. Even the slightest amount of alcohol or drugs in your system can affect the way you drive, increasing the risk of serious harm to yourself and other road users.
"This summer, we’re urging to people who are planning to drink to consider how they will be getting home, so that a day in the sun doesn't turn into a night in a cell.
"I would like to thank those members of the public who have called us to report a drink driver. Our enforcement efforts continue all year round, and intelligence from the public is invaluable in keeping Dorset’s roads safe.”
If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, dial 999 immediately with the vehicle information and direction of travel.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick commented: “Dorset has some great pubs and restaurants and the summer is a great time to go out and enjoy some time with your family and friends, but it’s also a time when people who are out enjoying themselves can make a poor decision, and after a few drinks get into their car or on their motorbike and drive home. What I’m about to say isn’t rocket science - it’s really quite simple – don’t drive any vehicle if you have had an alcoholic drink or have taken illegal drugs, because you know you are not only running the risk of getting arrested, getting a fine and a ban from driving, but you are potentially running a very real risk of causing an accident.
“The Summer Drink/Drug Drive campaign from Dorset Police this year has two elements to it, it’s not just the ‘don’t drive’ message that’s important, the campaign is also asking you to take action if you know of someone who drinks alcohol or takes drugs and then drives. Reporting a suspected drink or drug driver is a responsible thing to do – imagine if you didn’t report what you know, and that person went on to cause an accident in which someone you loved was hurt or worse – would you be able to forgive yourself?
“Please make the right decision, don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs and please report what you know - you may just save a life.”
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