Police summer anti-drink and drug driving results

Bedfordshire Police joined forces with ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers), TISPOL (European Traffic Police Network) and police services across the country in a nationwide clampdown on drink and drug driving. Throughout the month, 68 people were arrested for drink driving and 13 people arrested for drug driving in Bedfordshire.

Chief Inspector Donna Pierce from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Strategic Road Policing Unit commented: “It is disappointing that a number of drivers continue to attempt to get away with drinking or taking drugs before getting behind the wheel. I would remind drivers of the consequences – you could lose your job, your friends, your freedom and, if involved in a collision, you could seriously injure or kill yourself, somebody you care about or somebody else’s loved one. Never be tempted to take the chance that you’re under the legal limit. Drink or drug driving will not be tolerated in Bedfordshire.”

Bedfordshire Police advises the following alternatives to drink and drug driving:

*If you have to take the car, make sure you stick to non-alcoholic drinks rather than having one glass of wine or a pint of beer and hoping you’ll be under the legal limit – you can’t calculate your limit so don’t try to.

*Take it in turns for one of your party to be the designated driver.

*Leave the car at home and use public transport or take a registered taxi – why not pre-book one with a reputable company before you go out.

*If you know a drink driver or you know someone who has been drinking and is about to drive, always dial 999.

If you are found to be driving while under the influence of drink or drugs you can face:

*A minimum of a 12-month disqualification, as well as a fine and/or imprisonment.

*The offence of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs now carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment and a disqualification of at least two years.

The legal alcohol limit for driving is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood but there is no failsafe guide to the amount of alcohol that a driver can safely consume. The amount and type of alcoholic drink, the weight, sex and metabolism of the driver all play a part. But any amount of alcohol affects driving ability – a motorist’s ability to judge speed and distance may be impaired, their reaction times may be slowed and their judgement of risk seriously affected.