A campaign highlighting the financial cost to drivers getting behind the wheel after drinking is being launched in Derbyshire today as part of a nationwide spring crackdown.
It is part of the national THINK! campaign highlighting the consequences of a drink-drive conviction.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists has calculated the personal financial cost of drink-driving for the first time, pricing it between £20,000 and £50,000. The calculation reflects the fines, legal costs, rise in insurance premiums and possible job losses faced by those who are convicted.
Derbyshire Constabulary will be focusing on young drivers during the campaign which runs throughout March, with a particular focus over the Easter weekend.
Young men are consistently over-represented in drink-drive casualty figures and are more likely to admit to driving over the legal limit.
During the Christmas campaign in Derbyshire which ran from December 1 to 31, almost 45 per cent of under 25s tested gave a positive test, the driver refused to take the test or the driver failed to provide a sample compared to just 11 per cent of over 25s.
Chief Inspector Steve Wilson, head of Roads Policing, said: “Our campaign is very much intelligence led which allows us to target those age groups who persistently drink and drive rather than conducting mass-testing.
“Our message is simple – if you are having a drink don’t drive. If you drink alcohol or take drugs before driving we will catch up with you and you will have to face the consequences. This will include a driving ban, a criminal record and potentially losing your job.
“I would urge anyone with information about a drink driver to contact police and we will act on it wherever possible.
“We are determined to make Derbyshire’s roads safer and removing individuals who put theirs and other people’s lives at risk by drinking and driving.”
Last year 280 people were killed and 1,290 were seriously injured in drink driving related incidents across the country.
Anyone caught drink-driving could face a fine of up to £5,000, a minimum 12 month driving ban and a criminal record.
To report a drink-driver contact police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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