Don’t drink and drive this Christmas

1 December 2010

‘Drink or drive - don’t do both’ is the message Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership is sending to revellers in the lead-up to Christmas.

During December, partnership adverts highlighting the dangers of drink driving will feature in newspapers, on the radio and in pubs.

Chief Inspector Steve Wilson, head of roads policing at Derbyshire police, said: “Please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you see someone getting behind the wheel after drinking. You won’t be asked your name, your call won’t be traced and you don’t have to go to court.”

Chief Inspector Wilson added: “We’ll also be on the lookout for drug drivers this Christmas. There are five roadside tests we can perform if we suspect a driver has been taking drugs. People who haven’t taken drugs will find the tests simple to complete – but those who struggle will be taken to the police station for further tests.”

During December, NHS staff will be handing out copies of the partnership’s free safe travel guide to pub-goers in their teen and early twenties. Partying? Your five step guide to getting home safely is designed to fit easily into a wallet or purse so that revellers can use it while they’re out and about.

The guides will be handed out by NHS staff from Derbyshire Community Health Services (DCHS). Linda Kiernan from DCHS said: “Young people often relate best to people of their own age – that’s why we employ people between 18 and 30 to talk to their peers about health issues.

“When our partnership colleagues told us that drink driving is a growing problem among young people, we were happy to support their work.”