Best advice: don't drive (From Gazette Series)

Best advice: don't drive

GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council and Gloucestershire police have teamed up to launch the annual Christmas crackdown on drink-driving.

As well as action against anyone found to be driving while over the limit, police are targeting drivers who are under the legal limit but have consumed some alcohol.

Those drivers will be given information about the effect their moderate consumption could have on their driving, including what could happen the next day.

Road Safety Minister David Jamieson said: "It is vital that this important message gets through to people as we enter the festive season. I would like to congratulate the Gloucestershire Constabulary and road safety team for their excellent work in highlighting the Next Day Danger."

Cllr Dr John Cordwell (Wotton), cabinet member for strategic planning and transport, has urged the public to show consideration by not drinking and driving.

He said: "If you drink, don't drive - that's the best advice for all drivers. Studies have shown that even a small amount of alcohol can affect

people's ability to drive safely and it only takes one reckless driver to ruin many lives."

Road safety officer Gerry Handley added that anyone thinking about driving the morning after drinking alcohol should think carefully.

He said: "Many people just don't realise the danger they are putting themselves and others in if they are not leaving enough time for the alcohol to leave their system before driving the following day."

During last year's Christmas drink-drive campaign police in Gloucestershire breathalysed 3,236 motorists, of whom 164 (5.06 percent) either refused to give a sample or were over the limit.

Acting Insp John Pickersgill was concerned that the number of offenders was at its highest since 1995, but did take comfort from catching them.

He said: "We were shocked last year that, despite all the publicity, the drink-drive message did not seem to have got through to a minority of people.

"To have arrested 164 people over the course of a month for drink-driving was depressing in some ways but we were obviously satisfied to have taken so many reckless people off the roads."

The campaign started on Tuesday and will continue until Friday, January 2, although checks are carried out all year round.

Anyone who may have information about someone drink driving can support the police Rat on a Rat campaign by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.