With the countdown to Christmas – and the party season – well and truly underway, Brake has appealed for people to refrain from drink and drug driving.
The road safety charity is highlighting its 'not a drop, not a drag' campaign in an effort to lower the number of alcohol and substance-related road traffic accidents this year.
Last year, 280 people were killed in drink-driving incidents, which accounts for one in six road deaths, while 1,210 more people were seriously injured in crashes involving someone over the limit. Furthermore, road safety experts believe an additional 65 deaths are caused every year annually by drivers who have consumed some alcohol, but not in enough quantities for them to be over the limit.
Deputy chief executive of Brake Julie Townsend said: "As a charity that supports bereaved and injured road crash victims, we witness the suffering that drink and drug driving inflict, and appeal to everyone to help put a stop to it. Drink and drug driving deaths and injuries are cruel and needless, ending and ruining lives and leaving behind traumatised families to pick up the pieces.
"If you're driving home from celebrations this festive season, especially if you're a designated driver, it's vital you take your responsibility for people's safety seriously. It's a proven fact that even small amounts of alcohol or drugs inflate your risk of crashing."
She added that even drivers who state they feel fine after a drink are, in reality, putting their lives and the lives of other road users in danger.
The charity issued advice to drivers who want to stay safe on the roads at this time of year. Motorists were told there are plenty of alternatives to driving if they want to indulge in some alcohol this Christmas and New Year. However, if they want to have a drink, it is always wise to plan how they are going to get home before they even go out.
People can walk if there is a safe route and conditions allow for it and most places will be linked by some form of public transport. If not, booking a taxi before you go out will not only save time, but it could save a life. People who opt to nominate a designated driver need to know they are committed and that person should ensure they do not drink any alcohol all night.
There is also the morning after to think about. Drivers were advised to not get behind the wheel if they drank the night before as there is no way of knowing how long it will take to sober up. Rough guides estimate that it takes one hour to absorb one unit of alcohol, but that does not take into account any individual factors and it could take much longer.
Brake's advice comes as the Association of Chief Police Officers' announced the launch of the annual drink and drug driving enforcement campaign. The month-long campaign will see police forces across England and Wales stepping up roadside checks to identify any reckless drivers who are taking chances and risking lives.
Posted by Fred Mason