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01
Dec
‘It’s all about choice’: Police issue warning as Christmas drink-drive crackdown begins
A North Yorkshire Police officer has urged people to make the right choices this Christmas as the force cracks down on drink and drug driving.
The move comes as the force starts its latest latest winter drink and drug drive campaign, which will run until December 31.
Last year, police made 151 arrests, of which 102 were alcohol related. The figure was an 11% increase on the previous year.
This year, the force’s campaign intends to target men aged 17–29, as national statistics show that 90% of fatal collisions involving drink or drugs since 2014 have involved men in this age group.
Police will increase patrols during peak times, such as evenings and mornings when drivers may still be over the limit.
PC Clive Turner, roads policing inspector at North Yorkshire Police, told the Stray Ferret that it was important that people made the right decisions this festive period.
He said:
It’s all about choice. The choices you make this December when going out and socialising with friends and family or going to the office party.
You could potentially make a choice that affects you and your family or other people you don’t know.
The force said it will be using intelligence-led tactics and local hotspot knowledge to intercept those choosing to drink or drug drive.
Marked and unmarked vehicles, along with roadside checkpoints, will also be deployed to test as many drivers as possible.
A breathalyser to test for alcohol at the roadside.
PC Turner added:
If you believe it won’t happen to you, you are mistaken. Every collision starts with someone thinking exactly that.
And we know all too painfully what it feels like to knock on a door and tell someone their son, daughter, or loved one won’t be coming home for Christmas.
Our advice is simple and uncompromising: avoid alcohol and drugs completely if you plan to drive. The only safe limit is none.
The campaign is a joint project between us at North Yorkshire Police and York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership, which is a group of local authorities, emergency services and other agencies which work together to reduce the number of people killed and injured on roads.
Police encourage members of the public to report drink and drug drivers by dialling 999 with information including their vehicle, registration number and current location.
The force will publish updates on the number of arrests made and any prosecutions on its social media channels and website.
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