AM Backs Crackdown

CARL SARGEANT AM BACKS DRINK DRIVE CRACKDOWN
The four Welsh Police forces led by North Wales Police and the Welsh Assembly Government are today launching their annual Christmas drink drive crackdown today with the warning, “We will take robust action if you are caught drinking and driving.”Mr Sargeant, who is backing the annual campaign, said: “19,554 drivers were breathalysed at the roadside as part of the 2007 Christmas Drink Drive Campaign, and 587 of them tested positive.“Despite annual Christmas campaigns and the ever vigilant work of our Welsh police forces, drink-driving remains a sad fact of life. The four Welsh police forces will once more this year have a co-ordinated approach in trying to eradicate the continuing problem of drink driving. “I am pleased that there will be a complete zero tolerance approach throughout the principality, both before and after Christmas and extending into the New Year. Drivers should be aware that police will carry out road checks during morning periods and will breathalyse drivers who may be over the limit from drinking the night before. “It is a sad fact that people are still losing their lives on our roads because of irresponsible drivers who continue to drive when under the influence of Alcohol or drugs. If you are going to have a drink, then don’t drive. It’s just not worth taking the risk. Jumping behind the wheel, even for a short journey, after having a drink could be the worst mistake you ever make.”Top tips to help people stay safe on the roads this Christmas time: • Even the smallest amount of alcohol can affect a driver’s skill without them realising, awareness will decrease and reactions will be slow. Limits have been set as to how much a driver can drink lawfully, but everyone is different and as a result there is no safe limit of alcohol that can be taken before driving. • If you’re hosting a party at home - be responsible. Do not offer alcohol to anyone who is driving. • Plan a night out in advance. If you have to take the car, stick to non-alcoholic or soft drinks or arrange for someone who is not drinking to drive. If possible take a taxi or use public transport. • If you have been drinking of an evening you may well be affected by alcohol the next day. Consider using another method of transport until you are certain that you no longer have any alcohol in your system. Over the next four weeks, thousands of motorists face being stopped as the police conduct road checks at various locations across the country. The campaign will run from 00:01 Monday 1st of December to 23:59hrs on Thursday 1st of January.If you know of someone who regularly drinks and drives, or if you suspect someone who is behind the wheel whilst under the influence of alcohol, contact North Wales Police on 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) or 0845 607 1002 (English line).