Christmas songs are being used to remind motorists of the dangers of drink and drug driving as part of the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership’s annual Christmas anti drink and drug driving campaign.
The campaign launched on Sunday 1 December and will run until Wednesday 1 January to ensure that motorists are enjoying the Festive Period while driving in a safe and legal way.
Christmas songs have been chosen to highlight how easy it can be to ruin the joy and memories of the festive period for yourself and those around you. There are three key messages focusing on awareness, the morning after and drug driving.
The multi-partnership campaign is co-ordinated by Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
It aims to raise awareness with drivers of the dangers and consequences they could face by getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs.
Motorists can expect to see more roadside police checks in both urban and rural areas across the county as part of the festive clamp-down.
Enforcement action will also see the Special Constabulary and Police Cadets conducting a number of proactive operations throughout the county and Roads Policing officers making targeted patrols.
Superintendent Jessica Loxley-Clark, Head of Specialist Operations said: “Drink or drug driving will not be tolerated here in Gloucestershire. We will be conducting roadside operations across the county including those focusing on the morning after.
“Losing your driving license can have a major impact on your life and lifestyle so please do think twice before you take a risk and get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
“Drugs, whether they are illegal or prescribed, can stay in your system for many weeks after being taken which can cause a massive risk to both yourself and other road users.
“With festive catch ups and get togethers fast approaching motorists are reminded to plan ahead and think about how they will get home, be it appointing a designated driver, booking a taxi or using public transport. Do not take the risk – it could cost lives.”
Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said: “The RoadPeace service in Minchinhampton last month, remembering everyone killed on the roads, was a solemn reminder of the need for all road users to be responsible and not put themselves and others at risk.
“There are needless deaths on our roads in Gloucestershire, and we all have a responsibility to be vigilant by making sure you, your family, friends, and colleagues don’t drink and drive. Not only is it illegal, but you’re endangering yourself and other innocent people when you do. Don’t become a road causality statistic.
“It should be a happy time of year and we don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, but I fully support the proactive work of the Constabulary to catch those who do choose to flout the law by drinking and driving on our roads this Christmas time.”
Cllr David Norman, Chair of the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) and Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for Fire and Community Safety, said: “This year we’ve seen far too many deaths on our roads particularly younger people which is such a tragedy.
“Every year we ask our communities to take care particularly around Christmas. Plan your transport ahead. If you’re driving don’t take a chance – don’t drink anything alcoholic. Take care of yourself and others. Thank you and Merry Christmas – enjoy it safely.”
