Motorists who risk lives by drink-driving have been sternly warned that they will be identified and prosecuted. West Mercia Police have launched their annual Christmas drink-driving campaign, emphasizing that there is no reliable method to calculate how much alcohol can be consumed before exceeding the legal limit.
The police force highlighted the severe consequences of drink-driving, describing the outcomes as potentially catastrophic. Despite this, they express frustration that some drivers continue to flout the law.
Statistics from the past three years are sobering: 13 fatalities on West Mercia’s roads involved alcohol, alongside 132 serious injuries. Additionally, drug-related incidents accounted for 24 deaths during the same period.
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Drivers caught drink-driving face harsh penalties, including up to six months in jail, unlimited fines, and a mandatory driving ban of at least 12 months.
Superintendent Stuart Bill stated, “The drink-drive law has been in place for 60 years, and breathalyzer tests have been used roadside since the 1980s. Yet it is frustrating some motorists still drive under the influence. With many non-alcoholic alternatives available today, there is simply no excuse.
“There is no foolproof way of knowing how much alcohol you can consume and still remain under the legal limit. Alcohol and drugs impair your ability to drive, and the consequences can be severe.”
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion also urged drivers to reconsider their choices, warning of the catastrophic impact driving under influence can have—not only on themselves but on innocent people and entire communities.
He added, “Road safety is central to my police and crime plan. West Mercia Police will conduct high-visibility patrols and enforce the law rigorously to ensure that anyone jeopardizing lives is caught and brought to justice.”
The campaign, named Operation Christmas Presence, will run throughout December across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire, reinforcing the message that safe, sober driving is paramount during the festive season.