Suffolk Police to crack down on drink and drug drivers with new campaign

A campaign to tackle drink and drug driving has been launched in Suffolk.

Beginning today and lasting until Sunday, the initiative hopes to highlight the risks of driving under the influence while protecting other road users from the dangerous driving associated with it.

It is being hosted by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and forms part of a wider campaign across the UK to tackle the issue.

It will see officers from the joint Roads and Armed Policing Team (RAPT) target irresponsible and dangerous drivers in a bid to reduce fatal and serious crashes.

They will also look into locations where drink or drug drivers are reported as well as testing driving involved in crashes.

Suffolk’s Police & Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: "It beggars belief that despite the obvious dangers, too many drivers still take to the road under the influence of drink or drugs."

According to official police data, men under 30 are the most likely to drive under the influence.

Most drink-drive offences occur between 7pm and 6:59am, the data suggests.

The police also warns that drinking is 'increasing generally' among women, with those over 35 having 'little awareness of the number of units in a glass of wine'.

Recent data collected by the International Driving Association suggests that Suffolk has the fourth-highest percentage of positive drink drive breath tests in England and Wales.

PCC Passmore added: "All drivers need to understand that drink or drug driving risks lives and the lives of others, it is grossly irresponsible and selfish.

"I really hope this campaign, and the increased focus by our roads policing team especially over the bank-holiday weekend, makes people think twice."

Drugs can affect driving in a number of ways, ranging from slower reactions to erratic behaviour or hallucinations.

The police have warned that combining drugs can also have dramatic and unpredictable effects on a person's state and ability to drive.

They state that drivers who combine drugs and alcohol are 23-times more likely to die in a crash than sober drivers.

Chief Inspector Jon Chapman, head of the Joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “These extra checks are in addition to the day-to-day police work undertaken by the Roads Policing unit all year round.

“We know that the summertime offers an opportunity for people to enjoy the warmer weather, alongside friends and family, often with a drink or two. However, it is important to remember that getting behind the wheel having consumed either alcohol or drugs, could have devastating consequences.

Drink or drug driving could have a number of effects on both the driver and pedestrians, he added.

The driver under the influence could cause serious harm to themselves, pedestrians or other road users.

Driving under the influence carries an unlimited fine and could cause those caught to receive a driving ban or a stint in prison.

It will also drive insurance costs up.