Its that time of year again… the decorations come out from the loft, the temperature drops, and we all begin to drink just that little bit more. Yes, drink driving comes into focus year after year, but with the number of casualties rising instead of going down, police forces across the UK are this year clamping down on drink driving in order to make a significant impact.
Are you over the limit?
Across the UK police are taking different approaches in order to clamp down on drink drivers but all have the same motive; to cut the number of drink-related deaths on the roads.
Police in Wales are specifically targeting younger drivers since statistics reveal that drivers aged between 20-24 fail more breath tests than any other group. Sue Storch, chair of Road Safety Wales, said: “My advice is that if you’re expecting to drink alcohol during the Christmas holiday, plan how to get home without driving.”
However, officers highlighted that young drivers in particular are unaware that they can still be over the limit even when they drive the next day. It is for this reason that officers will be testing motorists throughout the day.
North Yorkshire Police this year are focusing on ‘morning after drivers’, who will drive the morning after the night before often without knowing they are still over the limit. These drivers will face exactly the same penalties as those who risk driving at night under the influence. It seems that drivers are more willing to take risks the day after drinking with the Metropolitan police highlight that more people failed breath tests between 6am-11am than between 11pm-1am during the Christmas period. Is is hard facts like these that will be forcing officers to breath test motorists at all times of day rather that the common night periods.
Our advice to you? Plan your journey home, and book a taxi in advance. The day after drinking make sure you stay off the roads and instead enjoy some quiet time at home…and check those tyres!