Police in Suffolk are once again highlighting the dangers of drink and drug-driving as they support a nationwide campaign. The week-long initiative begins today, Monday 22 August (running until Sunday 28 August) and is coordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, with the aim of protecting other road users from the harm caused by those who drink and/or drug drive. The campaign will see officers from the joint Roads and Armed Policing Team (RAPT) target irresponsible and dangerous drivers in a bid to reduce fatal and serious road traffic collisions. The campaign will primarily focus on: drivers committing moving traffic offences; drivers suspected of drink/drug driving and as a result of spontaneous calls; premises, locations or areas where intelligence suggests drivers are offending; and drivers involved in collisions.
Analysis from the National Road Policing Intelligence Forum (NRPIF) has found that:
Drink-driving is predominantly a young male problem (drivers aged under 30)
Most motorists commit drink-drive offences between 7pm and 6.59am.
Studies have shown drinking is increasing generally among women, with research suggesting that those over 35 have little awareness of the number of units in a glass of wine. Drugs can affect driving in numerous ways, ranging from slower reaction times, erratic and aggressive behaviour, an inability to concentrate properly, nausea, hallucinations, panic attacks, paranoia, tremors (or ‘the shakes’) to dizziness and fatigue. Combining drugs can have dramatic and unpredictable effects on a user’s state and ability to drive. Combining illegal drugs with alcohol is especially deadly, since it has been found that drivers who have consumed both are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than sober drivers. Chief Inspector Jon Chapman, head of the Joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “These extra checks are in addition to the day-to-day police work undertaken by the Roads Policing unit all year round. We know that the summertime offers an opportunity for people to enjoy the warmer weather, alongside friends and family, often with a drink or two. However, it is important to remember that getting behind the wheel having consumed either alcohol or drugs, could have devastating consequences. The cost of drink or drug driving could include the following: Killing or seriously injuring a pedestrian, yourself, or other road users; Driving ban; Unlimited fine; Possible prison sentence; Criminal record; Increased car insurance costs. If you choose to take that risk, then you could end up ruining the lives of others including your own. You are many times more likely to be involved in serious collision if over the drink or drug limit and 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash if you have consumed both.” Suffolk’s Police & Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: "It beggars belief that despite the obvious dangers, too many drivers still take to the road under the influence of drink or drugs. It is particularly concerning to me that the NRPIF research shows drink-driving appears to be predominantly a young male problem – which sadly suggests these well-rehearsed safety messages are not being heeded by some of our younger, less experienced drivers, which does not bode well. All drivers need to understand that drink or drug driving risks lives and the lives of others, it is grossly irresponsible and selfish. I really hope this campaign, and the increased focus by our roads policing team especially over the bank-holiday weekend, makes people think twice. I hope that slowly but surely the message is getting through, this cavalier attitude to safety is completely unacceptable and I urge drivers to take note. Sadly too many drivers have still not learnt the lesson – drink and drug driving kills.”
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