Safer Roads Greater Manchester has launched a new campaign aimed at raising awareness about the grave dangers of drink and drug driving. This initiative comes as a stark reminder to Wigan motorists and others in Greater Manchester about the potentially fatal consequences of driving under the influence. The campaign emphasizes that there is no safe level of drinking or drug use for drivers, advocating for complete abstinence from these substances when planning to drive. This message is particularly pressing given the statistics from 2019 to 2023, which show driver impairment as the main cause of 514 road traffic collisions in the region, leading to 851 casualties, with over a quarter resulting in deaths or serious injuries.
The campaign is supported by key figures such as Peter Boulton, TfGM’s Network Director for Highways, and Chief Inspector Michael Parker from Greater Manchester Police’s Safer Transport Team. Both stress the severe consequences of impaired driving, which include criminal records, driving bans, and even imprisonment. They also highlight the everyday repercussions such as increased insurance costs and job loss. The initiative involves regular roadside operations throughout the summer to conduct tests and deter impaired driving. By raising awareness and enforcing the law, Safer Roads Greater Manchester aims to reduce the number of tragic collisions and encourage safer driving habits across the region.
Find more from Safer Roads Greater Manchester (UK, August 2024) and read also from Wigan Today.
Alcohol Awareness 