Thames Valley Police launch operation to target drink and drug drivers during Christmas 2018

Thames Valley Police are encouraging drivers not to drink alcohol and/or take drugs and get behind the wheel because ‘It’s Not Worth the Risk‘.

Between Saturday 1st December 2018 and Tuesday 1st January 2019 officers will be carrying out breath tests, drug tests and field impairment test (FIT drug tests) at every opportunity.

26% of all fatal collisions involve an impairment from drink or drugs. In Hampshire and Thames Valley region the Police catch around 400 drink drivers a month.

Most drink driving offences are committed between the hours of 7.00pm and 7.00am, however the risks of driving the morning after drinking are not always recognised by motorists.

The operations will be intelligence led and focus on high risk areas identified by Police and from following up on information supplied to us by the public.

Thames Valley Police are encouraging the public to report drink and drug drivers with as much information and detail as possible so they can be targeted. Anyone who knows someone who drink or drug drives can report them to the Police on 101 or via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. Alternatively there is a text number 077814 80999. If the person is an immediate risk to another Thames Valley Police suggest the public call 999.

Rob Heard, Road Safety Sergeant for Hampshire and Thames Valley Police said: ‘Every year officers deal with cases of drink or drug driving that directly result in families facing Christmas without loves ones. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs in your system can affect your ability to drive safely – don’t let your friends and family pay the price.

Friends, colleagues and family members can positively influence those around them. So we are calling on them to stop potential drink or drug drivers from getting behind the wheel and risking tragedy this Christmas.

We’ll be running targeted operations across the region to enforce the law on drink and drug driving: you can face an fine of up to £5000, disqualification for driving, and a long prison sentence.

If you know someone who drink or drug drives please stop and think you can help combat this issue, report them to us on 101, by text 077814 80999 or call 999 if they are driving or immediately about to drive under the influence. The better the details you give to us the more chance we have to find and deal with them.

I am urging people to plan ahead during the party season. Think about how you’re going to get home and don’t forget about the impact alcohol can still have the morning after. Our message is simple, don’t drink or drug drive it’s not worth the risk.‘

Just under 400 drivers are caught drink driving each month across the Hampshire and Thames Valley Police regions. The Summer drink/drug driving campaign run by Hampshire and Thames Valley Police earlier in 2018 showed a 37% rise in the number of drivers arrested for drug driving and 25% increase in the number arrested for drink driving.

Each year on the roads of Hampshire and Thames Valley 140 people are killed or seriously injured as a result of alcohol. 26% of all fatal casualties in the JOU are shown as being impaired by alcohol or drugs as a contributory factor.

Approximately 80% of drink drivers in Hampshire and Thames Valley are male. While males in their mid 20’s are the age group where there is the greatest number of breath tests being refused or failed.

A person is 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision when using alcohol and illegal drugs together.

Most drink driving offences are committed between 7.00pm and 7.,00am but the risks of driving the morning after are not always recognised by motorists.