The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is launching its annual month long summer drink-drive campaign today (1 June), reminding drivers to enjoy the long evenings but not to drink and drive.
Police officers will be out in force during the campaign in a bid to crack down on drink and drug drivers.
Chief constable Phil Gormley, ACPO lead on drink and drug driving, said: “In 2009, 17% of people killed on our roads died in a collision involving a drink driver and nearly 12,000 were injured. This tragic and needless waste of human life is totally unacceptable and we will continue to use intelligence to target offenders, as well as carrying out volume testing at the roadside.
“We will carry out roadside checks at all times of the day and night and on all types of road. This means that if you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, there is a good chance you will be stopped and tested.”
Last year just under 101,000 people were stopped and tested during the 30-day summer campaign; 5.6% tested positive or refused a test.
Mike Penning, road safety minister, commented: "We are taking forward measures to make it easier for the police to tackle drink and drug driving and protect law abiding road users, including plans for drug testing kits to help detect drug drivers and tightening the law on drink driving.
“The number of drink driving deaths has fallen by more than 75% since 1979. But drink and drug driving still kills hundreds of people; that is why we want to help the police take tough action to tackle these reckless drivers.”
For more information contact the ACPO press office on 020 7084 8408.
With the barbecue season upon us and the Police looking to catch drunk drivers people should be extra careful. Sometimes you may not know how long drink can take to clear your system.
If you are drinking in the evening you can still be over the limit the next morning even after a good night’s sleep.
There are personal breathalysers which you can buy which tell you if you are safe to drive. A friend recommended a ‘morning after’ breathalyser from AlcoSense which he swears by. So I have now picked one up and it is quick, easy to use and accurate. I got mine from their website but they are also on sale at Halfords and Boots online.
Roger Severn, Richmond, Surrey
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Volume testing by roadside?
Police terminology for stopping people without a legally valid reason?
Be careful to keep the right balance between good intentions for road safety and squeezing civil liberties.
Guzzi wales
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