This Christmas Take Time Out After Drinking Before Driving
More figures roll in showing an increase in arrests being made for motorists drinking and driving this Christmas.
Even before we’d reached December Notts police were exasperated by the numbers breaking the law.
But now Hampshire force has released some figures, three weeks after launching its Op Holly campaign.
With a focus this year on “the morning after” it says it has arrested 148 drivers since 1st December, which is almost a fifth (18.4%) more than last year.
10 of these motorists were caught between 5am and 10:59am, the period it says drivers are often still drunk from the night before.
Giving us all a little insight into the first thing the police hear when they make an arrest, Inspector Martin Goodall says: “Not realising you’re still over the limit won’t stop you from being banned from driving, a hefty fine and a criminal record – ignorance is not an excuse.”
Of those arrested, Hants police say nine were aged 17 to 20 years, 34 were aged between 21 and 25 years old and 21 were aged 26 to 30.
These figures follow a survey by road safety charity Brake that finds many young drivers say they drive after drinking alcohol.
An alarming three in 10 say they will risk it and 53% say they will risk driving drunk the following day.
The Brake survey also uncovers ignorance among young drivers about how much they can drink before driving; one in eight (12%) think they can consume three or more units and still drive safely.
Perhaps more publicity needs to be made of campaigns such as ‘Take Time Out’, currently being supported by Hampshire Police and launched by the county’s fire and rescue team.
The message is very simple and the accompanying guide provides clear guidelines about how long it takes for your body to be free from the alcohol you’ve consumed.
See the guide HERE
Merry Christmas and stay safe over the holidays.
For further information contact Anton Balkitis or Lucy Wood on 0800 046 3066 or visit the website if you are looking for drink driving solicitors.
