Crackdown targets driving ‘fatal four’

A CHRISTMAS crackdown on drink and drug drivers has been launched by Warwickshire Police who are warning people to think of the consequences before they get behind the wheel.

And as part of this year’s festive warning, officers have vowed to breathalyse more motorists than ever before.

Police will be carrying out roadside breath tests on drivers they suspect are over the limit. And an advertising crusade, which includes a series of posters and leaflets warning of the dangers of drink-driving, are also part of the plans.

Chief Inspector Chris Lewis, who heads the Operations Task Force, said: “Last year in Warwickshire we breathalysed more people than ever before in December but there is no room for complacency.

“Christmas time is party season and we want to tell people, if you’re going to a party, plan ahead. Think about what you’ll be doing the next day. Alcohol will still be in the system. If you’ve only had four or five hours sleep and you get up and think you’re all right, you won’t be.”

This year’s leaflets warning people not to drink and drive have been printed in a number of different languages, including Portuguese, Polish and Farsi.

Chief Inspector Lewis added: “These are the most requested translations across the county and are an indicator of the communities there are. For example, there are distinct Polish communities in Leamington.

“I feel quite excited about this added dimension as it will help to make sure Warwickshire’s roads are safer.

“In future we will look at other languages but this is a good starting point to spread the road safety message.”

During last year’s Christmas campaign 2,055 drivers were stopped in Warwickshire and were given roadside breath tests, of which 65 proved positive – a fall of 0.8 per cent from 2007.

In December 2007 police arrested 62 drivers, four per cent of the 1,549 stopped and tested, over the festive period, which was down on the same period in 2006, when 92 drivers were arrested and seven per cent of 1,325 motorists breathalysed.

Chief Inspector Mike Slemensek, the force’s diversity manager, has welcomed the move to get the message about the dangers of drink driving to more people.

He said: “Warwickshire Police takes every opportunity to reach all members of the community to protect them from harm and by providing this information in their own language we can make sure that they fully understand the rules of the road and the dangers of ignoring them.”

This year’s campaign has also widened the warning to include three other key causes of death and serious injury on the road – speed, lack of seat belts and distraction.

Chief Inspector Lewis said: “We call these three, along with impairment because of drink or drugs, the fatal four. They are behind most deaths on roads and we are sending out the message that we don’t want people to do these things.

“We want people to enjoy themselves and we’re not against parties. People can have a drink and relax but just make sure you plan what you’re doing.”

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