The fear is that with the hospitality industry in lockdown, motorists will pour themselves generous measures that could put them over the limit.
During last December’s national operation, which took place over two weeks, 3,231 motorists failed or refused to provide a sample. In addition, 1,175 drivers failed a roadside drug test.
In Derbyshire over the past three years, police recorded 351 collisions where one or more driver was impaired with alcohol or drugs. These resulted in causing 386 injured casualties, with 105 being seriously injured and 23 people killed.
Sergeant Matt Edwards, leading on the drink and drug drive Roads Policing Operation, said: “As Derbyshire citizens enter the festive season with restrictions still in place, it is hard to predict the severity of the impact this could have on drink/drug driving offences across our region.
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“Evidence suggests that people will still insist on fulfilling their selfish needs by getting behind the wheel after consuming drink or drugs. Our Roads Policing Unit attend all road collisions and have witnessed the devastating effect that these incidents can cause to its victims, their families and to the local community.
“It is a season associated with merriment and high spirits and the result in more people drinking at home could lead to a rise in individuals driving whilst intoxicated and also possesses an increased risk of people inadvertently being over the drink drive limit the following morning.
“Do not consider driving if you have had a drink.”
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service Prevention station manager, Mark Whitelaw said: “On the run-up to the festive season we have once again joined forces with our colleagues at Derbyshire police to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of drink and drug driving through our joint Don’t Get Wrecked campaign.
“Over the last three years there have been 351 road traffic collisions across Derbyshire where drink and drugs have been a contributing factor. Despite years of campaigning, sadly firefighters and emergency services still see at first hand the devastating impact of such reckless actions.”