Sobering new video aims to highlight the dangers of drink-driving
A realistic video showing what really happens when people are caught drink driving - including ending up in a cell - has been released by police in staffordshire.
the mocked-up video, which stars sergeant tony Mckenzie and officer Kieran Norcup playing the part of a drink-driver shows what happens to those caught driving while over the legal alcohol limit, including being arrested and taken to a cell.
it comes as police warn it’s not only a ban from the roads people face, but they could end up losing their jobs and house too.
it is hoped the video will act as a reminder to people not to drink and drive this christmas and comes after 80 motorists were caught drink driving in December 2020 during lockdown. Officers in Derbyshire have also launched their crackdown. And 52 ended up in court. inspector Mark Joynson, from the road policing unit, is urging people to make sure they know how they’re getting home if planning to go out for a drink. He said: “if you are caught drink driving then you will be put in a police car and taken into custody.
“You have some people who blame everyone but themselves - and then others who realise the enormity of what it could mean. it isn’t just about losing your licence - you could then lose your job and then struggle to pay for your home. And ultimately you will have a criminal conviction.”
All year round the policing unit carry out enforcement activities alongside proactive crackdowns - as part of Operation lightning.
inspector Joynson says during the activity to tackle drink and drug-driving over the festive season they will receive reports from concerned members of the public.
He said: “While we will stop people who we feel should be pulled over the public will get in touch if they believe someone is going to drink and drive. We will then act on this information.
“We will always be proactive on the roads and respond to intelligence.
“i would urge people to plan their night out and if they are going out to drink then it’s important they work out how they are going to get home.
“there is also the morning after to consider when you may still be over the limit - and we will still be out patrolling the roads.”
sergeant Mckenzie said: “the penalties that the courts hand out to people who are convicted and sentenced of drink driving are a mandatory disqualification, which is a ban.
“You’ll get a fine and costs. But the real costs and real punishment you will face is not being able to do your day-to-day life.
“Our appeal is if you are going to drink, leave the car at home, seek alternative transport such as a taxi, or a bus, or just get someone else to drive that hasn’t had a drink.”
in Derbyshire over the last threeyears, police have recorded 286 crashes where one or more drivers were impaired due to alcohol or drugs.
these resulted in causing 404 casualties, with 92 people seriously injured and 11 killed on the roads.
A smashed up car from a crash, where the driver was almost three times over the limit, was placed on display at the Mcarthurglen east Midlands Designer Outlet in Derbyshire to warn against the impact of drink driving.
Derbyshire roads Policing Unit lead inspector Greg Hunt said: “My officers will stop anyone suspected of drink or drug driving and we’ll be operating check-sites across Derbyshire to perform both breath and drug testing.
“Anyone caught under the influence whilst driving will risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban. Anyone who causes a death while drink or drug driving will face up to 14 years’ imprisonment.”