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Think before you drink drive

Northumbria Police

30 November 2009


The force is backing the national Christmas Drink Drug Driving Campaign which is running from December 1 to January 1, 2010.
Officers will be breath testing all drivers involved in collisions during December and carrying out additional routine breath tests alongside their normal observations of motorists.
Northumbria Police’s Roads Policing Chief Inspector John Barnes said: "At this time of year, during festivities, people may be more tempted to have a drink and then drive home. Our message is clear: it's just not worth the risk. Leave your car at home if you want to drink.
“We don't want to stop people enjoying themselves, but they must not be tempted to drive after they've been drinking. They could be risking their own lives and the lives of others.
"Our aim is to make sure our roads are safe for everyone.
"Our advice is always to plan ahead and make sensible arrangements to get home which don't involve driving after drinking.
"We know the majority of motorists are law abiding and take heed of advice. However, we'll continue to take action against the small number of motorists who have a disregard for the law and for other's people's welfare."
Northumbria Police’s campaign runs in tandem with the national Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) initiative.
Ray King, from the Northumbria Safer Roads Initiative, added: "Drinking and driving is as dangerous as it is illegal.  Putting others lives at risk when there are so many alternatives is nonsense and makes the roads a more dangerous place.  We hope people exercise safe sense on the roads and don't drink and drive.  It's not worth the risk and you could end up losing your licence or you life."