Police make it ‘easier than ever’ to shop a drink driver this Christmas | Bristol LivePolice are cracking down on drug and drink driving
Police generic(Image: Derby Telegraph)Avon and Somerset Police have launched their seasonal crackdown on drink and drug driving this Christmas. Here’s everything you need to knowPolice have launched their annual Christmas operation to tackle drink and drug driving, following a tragic year where 25 per cent of all fatal collisions involved impairment. They are urging the public to take responsibility and help keep the roads safe.Expect to see Avon and Somerset’s roads policing team conducting proactive roadside checks and engaging with drivers about the serious dangers of driving under the influence.Officers use intelligence and technology (like ANPR) all year to target high-risk drivers.The public is asked to be the police’s eyes and ears by reporting anyone suspected of drink or drug driving immediately. You can now easily report this using a dedicated QR code link on police materials which takes you to a dedicated section on the website. Police say they want to make it ‘easier than ever’ to report suspected offenders.Police efforts are concentrated on the five most common causes of serious crashes, known as the ‘Fatal Five,’ which includes drink and drug driving, speeding, distraction, not wearing a seatbelt, and careless driving. Committing any of these offences drastically increases the risk of a fatal crash.Police have urged people to always plan how they will get home before starting drinking, use a taxi, public transport, or designate a sober driver. Never get into a car with an intoxicated driver, and remember you could still be over the limit the next morning.Police Crime Commissioner Clare Moody said driving under the influence is a reckless choice that puts both the driver and others at real risk. Any life lost due to this “behaviour is tragic”, and the public is urged to report it because their action could save a life.Being in charge of a vehicle while intoxicated risks three months in prison, a £2,500 fine, and a driving ban. Driving while impaired or refusing to provide a specimen carries much harsher consequences, including up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine, and a minimum one-year driving ban.The most severe penalty, for causing death by careless driving under the influence, is life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and a driving ban for at least five years, plus an extended re-test.Follow Bristol Live:
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