61 drunk drivers arrested in one week as crackdown continues tonight
Officers have arrested more than 60 drunk or drugged-up drivers this week. Police have now issued a stark warning to other revellers considering drinking and driving. Avon and Somerset Police’s[1] annual festive crackdown has seen the force arrest 61 motorists.
Officers will be patrolling roads in and around Bristol once again this weekend. A police spokesperson said: “We’ve made 61 arrests during the first week of our winter anti drink/drug drive operation. Our officers will be out again this weekend, working hard to keep our roads safe.”
Inspector Rob Barker, Roads Policing lead at Avon and Somerset Police said: “My message to the public this Christmas is simple. If you know someone that regularly drinks or takes drugs and gets behind the wheel, then your action- or inaction – could make a real difference to the wellbeing of other road users. “Your report could prevent serious consequences by helping us take a dangerous and irresponsible driver off the road before they can cause harm.
During December, we’ll be actively targeting motorists who pose a risk to others by choosing to drink and drug drive, as well as carrying out proactive stop checks at key roadside locations both day and night.” Data from Crimestoppers UK suggests that the public are becoming more inclined to report drink and drug drivers. The national charity, which allows people to report crime 100% anonymously, received more than 34,000 reports between January and September this year about people who regularly drive under the influence of drink and drugs – a 25 per cent increase on the previous year.
In several cases, this information has directly led to an arrest. Mick Duthie, Director of Operations at Crimestoppers, said: “Those under the influence of drink or drugs are far more likely to cause a crash, sometimes with fatal consequences. Many of those drivers regret their behaviour, but by then it’s too late.
“You can help ‘put the brakes’ on regular drink and drug drivers by telling our charity what you know. Being able to give information anonymously with no comeback is so worthwhile as it helps tackle these kinds of dangerous and criminal behaviours. “Our charity is here for you 24/7, both online at Crimestoppers-uk.org and on the phone by calling 0800 555 111.
If you know of someone involved in drug or drink driving – maybe it’s a friend, neighbour, colleague or family member – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
It can save lives and will help make our roads safer for everyone.”
Anyone who spots someone under the influence of drink/drugs while behind the wheel can report it here[4].
References
- ^ Avon and Somerset Police’s (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Young woman badly injured after BMW crashes into tree and flips over in Bridgwater (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Mum gave birth under her Christmas tree after going into labour at home (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ here (orlo.uk)