Who's driving you home this Christmas.....?

 Northamptonshire Police and the Casualty Reduction Partnership are urging the public to consider the consequences of drink and drug driving by thinking about who will be driving them home this Christmas.

The force’s annual winter campaign begins today, Wednesday 1 December, with coordinated roadside operations, routine checks and ongoing patrolling taking place throughout the county. A photo of a taxi driver, police officer, hearse driver and ambulance driver will also be used on the police website and social networking sites to ask members of the public to think about who will be driving them home during the party season.

Chief inspector Sean Bell said: “We want everyone to enjoy the festive season and would urge anyone considering driving under the influence of drink or drugs to stop and think before getting behind the wheel. A few pounds on a taxi is a much cheaper option than a drink or drug drive conviction. A conviction sticks with you and not only results in a criminal record and substantial fine, but also could result in you losing your licence and your job. Worse still, you could end up killing or seriously injuring yourself, or someone else’s loved ones.”

He continues: “Christmas is a time for family and friends and we would urge everyone to help us reinforce the message that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is absolutely unacceptable. Please remind loved ones of the dangers and never get into a vehicle with someone who is under the influence. We want everyone to enjoy the holiday season safely and with the people they love – not with a police officer, ambulance or hearse driver.”

“We would also urge anyone who suspects a driver of taking to the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs to call the Drivewatch Hotline, a 24-hour telephone service, on 0800 174615. Information can also be emailed to us using the Drivewatch form on the force website. This confidential service is regularly monitored and intelligence is followed up by officers.”

The increased enforcement on drink driving offences is in conjunction with the nationwide initiative led by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). The ongoing local Fatal Four campaign is part of Operation Roadsafe, which encompasses all new and ongoing casualty reduction initiatives undertaken by Northamptonshire Police.