Drivers in Greater Manchester are being warned about the potentially fatal consequences of getting behind the wheel this summer while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Someone impaired by drink or drugs is more likely to be involved in a road traffic collision and seriously hurting themselves, their passengers and other road users, while also increasing the risk of a driving ban or prosecution.
A new campaign by Safer Roads Greater Manchester helps to raise awareness of the impact of drink and drug driving by making it clear that there is no safe level of drinking or drug use when it comes to driving, and that it is better having none for the road.
Between 2019 and 2023 in Greater Manchester, driver impairment was given as the main cause for 514 road traffic collisions on the region’s roads, resulting in 851 casualties. Of these, more than a quarter (28%) of people involved died or suffered serious injuries.
During this period Manchester had the highest number of casualties due to driver impairment in Greater Manchester with 176, followed by Bolton, Salford and Wigan with 100, 99 and 91 casualties respectively.
Peter Boulton, TfGM’s network director for highways, said: “Anyone who decides to drive after drinking or taking drugs must be prepared for the consequences that follow. They are putting themselves and others in danger, and also risk ending up with a criminal record, a driving ban or a prison sentence.
“Unfortunately people on our roads are still being killed or seriously injured as a result of road traffic collisions where driver impairment, whether that’s caused by alcohol or illegal substances, is a major factor.
“Behind each of these numbers is a life forever changed by injury, or a life lost and mourned by loved ones – all because someone thought it was acceptable to drink alcohol or take drugs before driving.
“I hope this campaign encourages people to think twice about getting behind the wheel while under the influence and stay safe because it’s more likely you will get caught or cause real harm to yourself or others, and the risks are simply not worthwhile.”
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