A PARTNERSHIP tackling antisocial driving during the Christmas period in Gloucestershire has made a dramatic reconstruction of how destructive drink driving can be.

Launched at the county’s safety education centre in Gloucester the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership, along with SkillZONE, demonstrated what happens in a car crash caused by the effects of alcohol.

Emergency services were on hand to explain how they would respond to the accident and were joined by a recently-convicted motorist willing to share the true effects of a drink-drive prosecution.

The consequences of a drink drive conviction can range from imprisonment, to large fines, a driving ban for 12 months and a criminal record.

On average three drivers a day fail a breath test in Gloucestershire and last year two collisions every week took place in the county involving somebody who took the risk of drinking and driving and from these, 31 people received fatal or serious injuries.

In December 2013 alone, 69 drivers out of 1,835 stopped in Gloucestershire were arrested for drink-driving.

As part of the Eat, Think, Be Merry campaign, roadside checks in Gloucestershire will be stepped up. The campaign will also target places where people buy alcohol.

Inspector for Roads Policing at Gloucestershire Police, Kevin Roseblade, said: "The message is simple - you can't know your own alcohol limit so don't take the risk.

“The only way to be sure you are safe to drive is to have none for the road. Drinking and driving is a serious criminal offence and is totally irresponsible. Motorists who think they can get away with it this Christmas are likely to face the full weight of the law."