POLICE are urging people not to drink or take drugs and then drive.
The annual festive plea comes as figures from the Department of Transport show that in 2018 an estimated 8,680 people were killed or injured when at least one driver was over the drink drive limit.
Officers are also asking drivers to help support our NHS by not being tempted to drive under the influence of drink or drugs because it is clear this puts lives at risk.
Police say there has also been a steady increase in drug driving.
In Warwickshire over the two year period 2018 and 2019, drink was cited as a causation factor in 98 collisions, resulting in two people losing their lives.
However while collision statistics for alcohol have remained constant in lockdown, drug driving is increasing.
For 2019 there were 19 road traffic collisions where illegal or medicinal drugs, were cited as a causation factor and two fatalities.
This is compared to 2018 when drugs were a causation factor in 10 road traffic collisions and two fatalities – a 100 per cent increase in collisions.
The number of arrests has also increased. Between April and September 2020, 68 drivers were held for drug driving compared to the same period in 2019 when 59 people were arrested.
Inspector Jem Mountford said: “With Covid-19, the campaign is even more important this year and all front line officers will be using police powers to stop and test drivers for drink and drug driving.”
The force has also vowed to publicise arrests made during December and January for drink or drug driving as part of their push to change people’s behaviour.
Officers are also asking people to call them if they suspect someone may be drink or drug driving by dialling 101. Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
