Rotherham revellers warned: “Don’t drink and drive”

South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership has launched its anti drink drive campaign warning of the consequences of drinking and driving.  

Nationally drink-related road deaths increased by around 17 per cent between 2011 and 2012, with 280 people were killed in a collision where a driver was found to be over the legal limit.

Throughout December, South Yorkshire Police will be running a month long drink drive campaign, reminding drivers across the county about the dangers and consequences of drink driving.  

The campaign is part of a national crackdown by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) aimed at reducing the number of people killed and injured on our roads by those who drink and drive.

Drivers who commit a moving traffic offence, are involved in a collision or who officers suspect that the driver may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs could be breath tested by police.  

To support the South Yorkshire Police enforcement campaign, the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership is running a hard hitting Feel My Pain initiative which uses a poem composed by a road safety team member Deborah Gribbon.  

The poem will feature as part of radio adverts being broadcast across South Yorkshire.

Ken Wheat, South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership Manager said: “Drinking and driving can be very dangerous.  

“Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your reaction times and hence your driving.  

“It is not possible to say how much alcohol you can drink and stay below the limit, so it's better not to drink at all.  

“If you are going out for a drink, plan how you will get home without driving either by using public transport, calling a taxi or agreeing a designated driver.  

“And don’t forget that you could still be over the limit hours after your last drink, even if it's the morning after.”

Mr Wheat pointed out that drink driving also carried stiff court penalties, adding: “It is not worth the risk.

“Being caught could result in being banned from driving, having points on your licence, a fine of up to £5,000, even imprisonment.  

“This will mean increased insurance costs, loss of independence if you are banned from driving, even the loss of your job if you are unable to drive.  

“All this, on top of the shame of having a criminal record.”

South Yorkshire Head of Roads Policing Chief Inspector Stuart Walne, said: “Christmas is a time for celebration so play your part, if you're going to enjoy a drink, then arrange a safe way to get home.  

“If you are with a friend or family member who's been drinking and plans to drive, stop it before it happens.  

“Prevention is much better than the after effects, by making a stance that you won't get in a car with a drink driver you're being the real friend and you're showing the true spirit of Christmas, caring for others.

“Drinking and driving wrecks lives.  

“If you know someone that regularly drives whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol I would urge you to contact South Yorkshire Police by telephoning 101 or contact Crimestopper anonymously on 0800 555 11.”