Crackdown on drinking and driving

DRINK and drug drivers are to be targeted this summer as police and the fire service launch their joint annual crackdown.

The crackdown this year coincided with start of the FIFA World Cup, and will run until the end of July.

Inspector Darren Owen, from the Cheshire Roads Policing team, said: “The World Cup is a time to celebrate and whilst I want people to have a good time and enjoy the football tournament, I’m also keen to remind people about the dangers, and the consequences, of drink and drug driving.

“Driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous; it affects your reaction time, making it harder for you to judge your speed, judge your distance between you and other vehicles and notice potential hazards.

“All of this means that you are more likely to be involved in a collision whilst driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs.

“As well as the dangers, there are also serious consequences for anyone who is caught drink or drug driving, not only do they face losing their licence, but they also face a large fine, going to court and even the possibility of a prison sentence; all of which could have a big impact upon their life and may affect their employment.”

Andy Gray, watch manager at Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service, said: “We regularly attend road traffic collisions to rescue people who have crashed as a result of drink or drugs.

“These can be harrowing incidents and can cause serious, life-changing injuries and worse.

“Our firefighters will be handing out information about the impact these incidents at our fire station open days throughout the summer.”

Anyone who suspects that somebody is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol should call Cheshire police on 999 or 101.