Viral Mannequin Challenge bid to cut drink driving
Met Police used social media trend
CHRISTMAS is a time where many of us overindulge in food and drink, but as the festive period begins, the Met Police want to remind motorists to think before they get behind the wheel.
The force has launched a social media campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while intoxicated.
Using the viral Mannequin Challenge video format, the Met’s video features a fictional scene of an accident caused by someone who was drink driving.
Two constables from Hammersmith and Fulham created the video, illustrating the dangers of being over the limit, as well as reminding motorists to be aware of driving after drinking the night before.
The film depicts characters from the emergency services, those involved in the car accident and witnesses, frozen in a series of scenarios following a collision as a result of drink driving.
“Our mannequin challenge is simple but hard hitting and illustrates the consequences of driving when intoxicated,” said commander Neil Jerome, from the Met’s Territorial Policing Command. Anyone who drives a vehicle when they are over the prescribed limit of drink and/or drugs, legal or illegal, is not only breaking the law but poses an unacceptable risk to themselves, their passengers and other road users.”
Throughout December, the force will support the National Police Chiefs Council’s national drink and drug driving campaign with Roads and Transport Policing Command out tackling drink and drug drivers. Officers will be on the look out for motorists who pose a risk to themselves or other road users and will be administering breath tests or taking saliva samples.
Motorists are being advised that any amount of alcohol or drugs in your system can driving ability.
This includes prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication.
If you are caught driving while under the influence you can face affect serious penalties including a 12-month driving ban, points on your license and jail.
Commander Jerome said: “The Met is taking positive action during this campaign and at all times, to catch those who break the law in this way and bring offenders to justice.
“We will be pro-actively patrolling to stop, arrest and convict those found to be over the prescribed limit.
“So our message clear: Don’t do it!” is
Our challenge is hard hitting and illustrates the consequences of driving when intoxicated”