‘They’re making a plan, they’re checking it twice, they’re going to find out who’s naughty or nice- traffic cops are coming to town!’
Traffic officers from South Yorkshire Police will be dashing through the streets this festive season to ensure those driving over the alcohol limit or driving while under the influence of drugs are caught and prosecuted.
Last year in December, just under 200 drivers were arrested in South Yorkshire for driving while over the limit.
Roads Traffic Inspector Jason Booth said: “This year, we are urging people to think is it worth it? You can lose your job, your family or potentially even your life. Drink driving kills.
“You can plan ahead, book a taxi, organise a lift, but please don’t get behind the wheel. Paying £20 for a taxi is nothing compared to the devastation you could cause by driving over the limit.
“Officers will be carrying out breathalyser tests at the side of the road in a bid to reduce those drivers who think it is acceptable to get behind the wheel and put our communities at risk.”
And it’s not just traffic cops that will be out and about this December as South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) hits the streets with a very important message.
In the run up to Christmas, shoppers, football fans and party-goers will see the SYSRP anti-drink/drive digital ad vans touring the county to remind people of the dangers of drinking and driving.
Joanne Wehrle, SYSRP manager, said: “Our message is simple, if you’re drinking – don’t drive.
“There is no safe limit for the amount of alcohol you can have before driving, even the smallest amount can impair your judgement.
“Please have none for the road and don’t take any chances. Think about your family and your loved ones before you take a sip.
“After all, that one sip could spoil not just Christmas, but the rest of your life.”
As well as the risk of being involved in a collision, the consequences of drinking and driving include a ban, points on your licence, an unlimited fine or prison.
This will mean increased insurance costs, potential job loss and even restrictions on travel to other countries.
“Any one of us could get caught out and the consequences could be fatal,” added Joanne.
“And it’s not just on your night out, it’s the following morning as well as there is no way of knowing how long it will take for alcohol to be processed by your body.
“For example, if someone drinks 12 units, it can take them roughly 13 hours to fully sober up.
“The key is to plan your journey home, look out for your friends and if you’re driving, stick to soft drinks.”
The campaign officially launched Thursday 5 December when the Christmas digital ad van will start its tour from All Saint’s Square in Rotherham.
The ad vans will then be in Rotherham on Saturday 21 December.
The campaign will also appear on pub screens, digital billboards, social media and in football programmes during the busy festive period when the SYSRP team will be out and about spreading the word.
Joanne added: “Although our vans won’t be delivering presents, we are hoping that our message will be much more valuable to families and friends this Christmas.”
For more information about drink and drug driving visit www.sysrp.co.uk/drinkdriving
You can follow the campaign on social media using #nonefortheroad.