Subscribe to our RSS Feed Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook


Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information from Amber Valley Info














You Are Not Logged In
Login To Amber Valley Info

Police and Fire join forces to crack down on drink and drug driving this Christmas

Published on Wednesday 2 December 2020

Throughout December, Derbyshire Constabulary and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service will be working together to tackle those who take to the roads whilst under the influence of drink and drugs.


During last year’s national operation, which took place over a two-week period in December, 3,231 motorists failed or refused to provide a sample. In addition, 1,175 drivers failed a roadside drug test.

In Derbyshire over the last three-years, we have recorded 351 collisions, where one or more driver was impaired with alcohol or drugs. These resulted in causing 386 injured casualties, with 105 being seriously injured and 23 persons were, sadly, killed in these tragic events.

The year 2020 has been a year like no other, and police and fire colleagues are preparing themselves to cope with unusual circumstances this month. Traditionally, the Christmas party season is spread out, starting in mid-November and continuing to the big day itself. This is not the case this year, and with restrictions still being in place, there are concerns that people will get carried away and have one drink too many at home.

It is feared that this could result in a higher number of drink and drug driving offences being committed this festive season, despite the tiered restrictions that are still in place.

Sergeant Matt Edwards, leading on the drink and drug drive Roads Policing Operation, said: “As Derbyshire citizens enter the festive season with restrictions still in place, it is hard to predict the severity of the impact this could have on drink/drug driving offences across our region.

“Unfortunately, no matter the circumstances, evidence suggests that people will still insist on fulfilling their selfish needs by getting behind the wheel after consuming drink or drugs. Our Roads Policing Unit attend all road collisions and have witnessed the devastating effect that these incidents can cause to its victims, their families and to the local community.

“It is a season associated with merriment and high-spirits (quite literally) and the result in more people drinking at home could lead to, not only a rise in individuals driving whilst intoxicated, but it also possesses an increased risk of people inadvertently being over the drink drive limit the following morning. 

“People are more likely to be generous with their measures at home, which is easier to lose track of how much they’re consuming and this can impact on reaction times and performance behind the wheel - long after a drinking session has come to an end.  

“Do not consider driving if you have had a drink. If you drive under the influence you will be stopped.”

Police will be stopping anyone suspected of drink or drug driving, operating stop sites across Derbyshire and performing both breath and drug testing. Anyone found to be over the limit will face the full force of the law.

Drivers risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban if they are caught driving while above the legal limit. Anyone who causes a death while drink or drug driving faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

Hardyal Dhindsa, Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Derbyshire’s residents have told me that road safety is their number one concern.  As a result, the Roads Policing Team has been boosted and I have funded numerous community Speedwatch programmes. 

“However, road safety is not purely about speeding.  Drinking under the influence of alcohol or other substance is a major cause of accidents on our roads and it doesn’t just affect the person committing the crime. Too many innocent people are injured because a driver ignored the limits, or thought they were invincible.

“The hardships of the last nine months are not an excuse to flout the law and drink driving will be robustly policed.  That’s why I urge all drivers to stay within the legal limits if they are thinking of driving anywhere so that they don’t risk making a difficult Christmas a tragic one.”

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service Prevention Station Manager, Mark Whitelaw said: "On the run up to the festive season we have once again joined forces with our colleagues at Derbyshire police to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of drink and drug driving through our joint 'Don't Get Wrecked' campaign. 

“Over the last three years there have been 351 road traffic collisions across Derbyshire where drink and drugs have been a contributing factor. Despite these figures and years of campaigning, sadly Firefighters and emergency services still see at first hand the devastating impact of such reckless actions.  

“Our message is quite simple, don’t ever get behind the wheel of a car when under the influence of drink or drugs – book a taxi, appoint a designated driver, or take a walk, but don’t be tempted to drive. You’ll not only be putting your own life at risk, but also the lives of others.  

“This year has been a challenge all around, so let’s work together to keep Derbyshire’s roads safe, so we can all enjoy a happy festive season.”

Seen someone drink driving?

Crime Stoppers are offering a reward of up to £1000 if you can provide information on a drink or drug driver, which leads to the arrest of one or more individuals resulting in them being formally charged.

Your anonymity is 100% guaranteed. To report an incident please contact them, via their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously or over the phone on 0800 555 111.




More News From Amber Valley Info

Read Some Of The Latest News Articles From Amber Valley Info

Mayoral commendation for Ripley Hospital's League of Friends A fund-raising group at a Derbyshire hospital built by the community has been commended by the Mayor of Amber Valley for read more

Invitation to a FREE Community Concert The Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir Last year, The Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir celebrated its 120th Anniversary and toured the  read more

Councils successful swimming pool funding bid makes a big splash in Belper and Alfreton Belper Leisure Centre is celebrating another welcome funding victory following a second succe read more

Amber Valley extends public consultation for Pre-submission Local Plan Residents in Amber Valley are being consulted on the finalised submission of the boroughs Local Plan.  read more

East Midlands Orchestra Plans Dementia Friendly Performances Derby-based Sinfonia Viva, the Orchestra of the East Midlands, is planning to launch a programme of dementia-friendly cl read more




The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard

Read Some Of The Latest Posts On Our Noticeboard

Cold Callers claiming to be working on behalf of Derbyshire County Council Policehave seen and increase in reports of 'cold callers' where people are claiming to be working on behal read more

Subscriptions For Amber Valley Borough Councils 2024 Garden Waste Service Are Now Open The garden waste collection service is available to all residents in Amber Valley except for r read more

Mobile networks are being improved in Ripley Mobile networks are being improved in Ripley boosting the speed, performance and coverage of mobile services in the area. read more

Trent Barton Buses - Extension Of The £2 Single Fare Cap Trent Barton Buses have confirmed their participation in the extension of the £2 single fare cap until the end o read more

Crich Tramway Village Looking For An Engineering Manager The successful candidate for this post will have excellent management skills gained whilst working in a practical workshop e read more







Amber Valley Local News


Mayoral commendation for Ripley Hospital's League of Friends A fund-raising group at a Derbyshire hospital built by the community has... read more

Invitation to a FREE Community Concert The Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir Last year, The Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir ... read more

Councils successful swimming pool funding bid makes a big splash in Belper and Alfreton Belper Leisure Centre is celebrating another ... read more

Amber Valley extends public consultation for Pre-submission Local Plan Residents in Amber Valley are being consulted on the finalised... read more

More news from Amber Valley











Cookies


Find out more about cookies we store on your computer.
Advertising


Find out about advertising on Amber Valley info.
Q R Codes


Find out about and download our QR Codes.
Social Media


Amber Valley Info are on Facebook and Twitter.
Legal Stuff


Read our copy of the sites terms and conditions.