Northamptonshire Police has launched its winter drink and drug driving campaign with a powerful new video highlighting the selfish and reckless choices some drivers make. Using real footage from the Roads Policing Team, the video captures moments where individuals were arrested after failing roadside breath tests. In one striking case, a driver provided a reading of 103 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath—nearly three times the legal limit. The campaign emphasizes the severe consequences of such actions, from immediate arrest and legal proceedings to the long-lasting impact on the offenders, their loved ones, and the wider community.

Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Nichols stressed the dangers of drink driving, labeling it as unacceptable and entirely preventable. She warned that even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can impair driving and increase the risk of severe harm. With the festive season posing a heightened risk of impaired driving, the video’s message is clear: never drive after consuming alcohol or drugs. “No one wants to get that terrible knock on the door,” she said, urging everyone to make responsible choices to ensure a safe holiday season for all.

The campaign, which runs alongside the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Operation Limit from December 1 to January 2, includes extra patrols, roadside checks, and proactive operations. It aims not only to enforce the law but also to educate road users about the risks of driving under the influence. Drink and drug driving are among the fatal five driving offences, contributing to devastating collisions. Northamptonshire Police encourages the public to report suspected impaired driving by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers, with more details available at www.northants.police.uk/dontdrinkdrive.

Find more from Northamptonshire Police (UK, December 2024)