Month-long purge on drug and drink-driving
Tuesday, 1st June 2010.
Suffolk police have launched a month-long drink and drug drive enforcement campaign today (Tuesday).
Alcohol or drugs were identified as a contributing factor in 10 of the 42 fatal road traffic collisions in Suffolk in 2009 equating to 24 per cent.
These latest figures have increased from 2008 where the figure was 19 per cent and show that there are too many motorists who continue to break the law, with serious and unfortunately fatal consequences.
To continue the fight against drink and drug drivers in Suffolk, police have launched the campaign today.
Roadside checks will be stepped up and officers will be breath-testing anyone involved in a collision, however minor, in a bid to crack down on those who flout the law.
Chief Insp Adrian Dawson said: “Suffolk Constabulary is committed to tackling drink and drug driving and we are warning those who think they can break the law that they are more likely than ever to get caught.
“The percentage of road traffic collisions where alcohol or drugs was a contributing factor speaks for itself.
"Those offending need to realise that they not just putting themselves at risk but other innocent road users as well. This is a very serious issue and can have severe consequences.
“By drinking or taking drugs and driving you could lose your licence, your livelihood and ruin your life.
"Your actions can also ruin the lives of others, by causing serious injury or even killing an innocent road-user or pedestrian.”
"If caught drink or drug driving you could receive a court conviction, a driving ban of at least 12 months, a criminal record and an endorsement of your driving license for 11 years.
"You may also be liable to a fine of up to £5,000 and could face a prison sentence of up to ten years.
“The message is simple: be sensible, be safe, and arrange a lift home, or appoint a designated driver. If you are going on a night out, remember to book a cab, choose a nominated driver or, if you are at a friend’s house, stay over for the night.
“We are also appealing for members of the public to tell us about people who flout the law in this way. If you know of someone who is drink or drug driving, then please call the police. They are a danger to themselves, to you, your family and others, and they should be stopped.”
Anyone who suspects someone they know of drink or drug driving is asked to report them immediately to the police on 01473 613500.
Alcohol or drugs were identified as a contributing factor in 10 of the 42 fatal road traffic collisions in Suffolk in 2009 equating to 24 per cent.
These latest figures have increased from 2008 where the figure was 19 per cent and show that there are too many motorists who continue to break the law, with serious and unfortunately fatal consequences.
To continue the fight against drink and drug drivers in Suffolk, police have launched the campaign today.
Roadside checks will be stepped up and officers will be breath-testing anyone involved in a collision, however minor, in a bid to crack down on those who flout the law.
Chief Insp Adrian Dawson said: “Suffolk Constabulary is committed to tackling drink and drug driving and we are warning those who think they can break the law that they are more likely than ever to get caught.
“The percentage of road traffic collisions where alcohol or drugs was a contributing factor speaks for itself.
"Those offending need to realise that they not just putting themselves at risk but other innocent road users as well. This is a very serious issue and can have severe consequences.
“By drinking or taking drugs and driving you could lose your licence, your livelihood and ruin your life.
"Your actions can also ruin the lives of others, by causing serious injury or even killing an innocent road-user or pedestrian.”
"If caught drink or drug driving you could receive a court conviction, a driving ban of at least 12 months, a criminal record and an endorsement of your driving license for 11 years.
"You may also be liable to a fine of up to £5,000 and could face a prison sentence of up to ten years.
“The message is simple: be sensible, be safe, and arrange a lift home, or appoint a designated driver. If you are going on a night out, remember to book a cab, choose a nominated driver or, if you are at a friend’s house, stay over for the night.
“We are also appealing for members of the public to tell us about people who flout the law in this way. If you know of someone who is drink or drug driving, then please call the police. They are a danger to themselves, to you, your family and others, and they should be stopped.”
Anyone who suspects someone they know of drink or drug driving is asked to report them immediately to the police on 01473 613500.
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