Christmas drink driving crackdown starts tomorrow

The annual Christmas crackdown on drink and drug driving starts tomorrow (Saturday 1 December).

Sussex Police said: “A total of 56 people died in road traffic collisions in Sussex last year, 13 of which involved a drink driver – representing 23 per cent of all fatal collisions in the county.”

The High Sheriff of West Sussex Caroline Nicholls takes a breath test as Sussex Police officers practise their procedures in preparation for the annual Christmas crackdown on drink and drug driving

Chief Inspector Andy Gooch, of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “Arguably the hardest part of any police officer’s job is telling someone that one of their loved ones has died. When you consider it could so easily have been avoided, it becomes even harder.

“Drink and drug driving destroys lives. It happens year on year and sadly, despite our repeated warnings, there will always be a minority of selfish and shameful individuals who still continue to put the lives of themselves and others at risk.

“Our aims of this campaign are to save lives by deterring people from drink and drug driving, and to deal robustly with offenders.”

Sussex Police will have a number of officers committed to the campaign, which runs from tomorrow (Saturday 1 December) until Tuesday 1 January inclusive.

The force said: “Details of those convicted – including their name, age, address and occupation – will be published online. This is in line with our previous campaigns, with the intention to deter people from getting behind the wheel while high on drink or drugs.

“During the same campaign last year (1 December 2017 to 1 January 2018), a total of 195 arrests were made in Sussex, of which at least 130 have since been convicted.”

Chief Inspector Gooch said: “While this is a dedicated campaign which occurs twice a year during peak periods – at Christmas and in the summer – we still respond to reports of drink and drug drivers as part of our routine policing 365 days a year.

“If you’re going to consume drink or drugs, we’d encourage you to plan ahead – walk home, book a taxi, take public transport or get a lift with someone sober. Never get into a vehicle with someone you know is over the limit.

“Also be mindful of the amount of time it takes for substances to leave your body. Even if you’ve slept for several hours, you could still be over the limit the next morning. And a coffee and a cold shower won’t speed up the process.”

The Sussex Safer Roads Partnership has a morning-after calculator on its website to work out roughly how long it takes before someone can safely drive.

Chief Inspector Gooch added: “If you’re planning to drive after ‘just a couple’, it’s more than likely you’ll be over the limit. The only way to guarantee you’re under the limit is to drink or drive – never both.”

Sussex Police said: “If you’re prepared to drive under the influence of drink or drugs, prepare to face the consequences. These could include the following

A minimum 12-month ban
An unlimited fine
A possible prison sentence
A criminal record which could affect your current and future employment
An increase in your car insurance costs
Trouble travelling to countries such as America

“If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

“Alternatively, people in Sussex can text officers on 65999 with the details of people they suspect of drink or drug driving, or visit the Operation Crackdown website.

“You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or report it online.

“The campaign is being run in conjunction with the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership and DriveSmart in Surrey.”