Over 100 people have been arrested across Somerset this month in connection with drink or drug driving offences as the Police’s ‘Operation Tonic’ Christmas campaign continues.
Avon and Somerset Police are once again out and about on the roads to highlight the dangers of drink and drug driving over the festive period.
Their warning come as new figures show a quarter of all fatal collisions in the Avon and Somerset force area over the past 12 months have had drink or drug driving as a contributory factor.
Supt Claire Armes says: “This year there have been nine fatal road traffic collisions across Avon and Somerset linked to drink or drug driving. This is a worrying statistic and shows that the message is still not getting through. The tragic consequences of risking drink or drug driving are clear for all to see.”
“Visiting a family to tell them their loved one has died or has been taken to hospital in a critical condition is perhaps the most difficult message that we have to give. It is horrendous to deliver this message at any time of the year, and it’s certainly not the message we want to deliver this Christmas.”
“Our message is simple, don’t take the risk – it’s not worth it. The worst-case scenario is that you are responsible for killing someone, ruining the lives of dozens of that person’s friends and family and a lengthy prison term to contemplate your actions.”
She added that throughout December, officers are carrying out intelligence-led enforcement activity on our roads and taking every opportunity to remind people of the potentially fatal consequences of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.
Last winter, the Force received over 392 tip-offs from members of the public, who contacted them with information about intoxicated drivers. Officers were able to respond to three quarters of tip-off calls, leading to 146 arrests and 78 people being charged. All other information received was fed into assisting future investigations and intelligence led operations.
Members of the public can report anyone who is suspected of drink or drug driving. If they know about someone who is currently driving under the influence then they should call 999 or in less urgent cases then call 101 or report online at www.avonandsomerset.police.
