Image: Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership
“Drink or drug driving is completely unacceptable and identifying motorists who are prepared to take such a risk is a priority for us.”
That’s the message from West Mercia Police, one of many forces currently increasing their efforts to detect offenders as part of a nationwide campaign.
The force says enforcing the drink and drug drive law is a 24/7 commitment and to reflect this, officers will be increasing enforcement over the next few weeks.
It hopes the campaign will serve as a reminder of the dangers of drinking impaired – and the consequences this can lead to.
Supt Steph Brighton, West Mercia Police, said: “It’s extremely frustrating that some motorists still selfishly choose to drive under the influence of drink or drugs in the knowledge that their actions could kill or seriously injure themselves or others.
“Drink or drug driving is completely unacceptable and identifying motorists who are prepared to take such a risk is a priority for us.”
Meanwhile in Warwickshire, authorities are using the campaign to highlight the tougher new sentences for drink and drug drivers.
In June, the maximum penalty increased from 14 years to life imprisonment for drivers convicted of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs.
This applies to England and Wales.
Philip Seccombe, Warwickshire police and crime commissioner and chair of Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership, said: “These new sentences reflect the seriousness of these offences and the far-reaching consequences for the victim’s family who will never get their loved one back.
“Whilst good drivers would never drink and drive, some drivers need to understand the serious penalties such as life imprisonment they could face to help persuade them it’s not worth the risk.”
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