Launch of Summer Drink Drive Campaign
Emergency services have today (Monday 2 June) launched their summer drink and drug driving campaign ahead of the World Cup.
Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service have joined forces with the Police & Crime Commissioner, Drivesafe and local authorities to raise awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
The month-long operation will see police officers on patrol around the clock targeting suspected drink drivers.
Police will also be using new portable drug testing machines to test instantly whether a driver is under the influence of drugs, rather than having to wait for a doctor to administer a blood test.
During last year’s summer drink drive campaign police carried out almost 5,000 breath tests and arrested 252 people.
Following on from Christmas, police are continuing to encourage abstinence rather than restraint and will be hammering home the ‘none for the road’ message using social media and posters in pubs.
Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith said: “We tend to see an increase in the amount of people drink driving during the summer months, be it because they’ve nipped to a beer garden after work or got caught up in the moment and drunk one too many at a barbecue.
“This year’s World Cup heightens the risk of drink driving and while we’re not looking to spoil anybody’s fun, we’d urge supporters to plan ahead and arrange transport prior to kick off so they don’t turn an evening of celebration into a lifetime of regret.
“Our officers have seen first-hand the devastation caused by drink and drug driving and we make absolutely no apology for relentlessly targeting this type of behaviour as it could save lives.
“If you don’t trust yourself not to drink then our simple advice is to leave the car at home. The only safe amount to drink if driving is none at all so do yourself and other road users a favour and leave the car keys alone.
“Be aware also that you might still be over the limit the following morning, particularly after some of the later kick offs. Our officers will be out around the clock targeting drink drivers so make sure you are safe to drive before getting behind the wheel.”
Deputy PCC Jim Battle said: “This summer, particularly with the World Cup, is a time of celebration and enjoyment for people across Greater Manchester. However, we have a responsibility to ourselves and others to behave responsibly.
“All right people know that drinking and driving is completely unacceptable, and has devastating consequences. It’s important that everyone gets the message loud and clear – Greater Manchester Police will not tolerate drink driving, regardless of the circumstances and regardless of the time of year.
“Late kick offs this year pose a particular problem. If you have been drinking late, please leave your car at home when going to work the next day – it’s simply not worth taking the risk.”
Senior Paramedic, Duncan Mayoh said: “The devastation to both victims, their families and often witnesses to alcohol related incidents is indescribable and is something that will live with them for the rest of their lives. We see numerous injuries that can change lives for ever and unfortunately, too many deaths on our roads and all for the sake of a couple of drinks. We have dealt with victims, including drivers, passengers and other innocent road users who have lost limbs, have to live with facial and other disfigurements and some who will never come home. Our message is clear and simple, just one alcoholic drink is not worth killing someone for and that ultimately is the real risk.”
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s Group Manager Stuart Millington said: “Lots of people like a drink during the summer months, but some people will attempt to drive afterwards and these journeys can end in tragedy.
“Our firefighters now rescue more people from car crashes than they do from fires. These people often suffer devastating injuries - sometimes they don’t survive at all.
“Drinking and driving is a recipe for death and disaster – stay safe this summer don’t drink and drive.”
Karen Delaney, Communications Officer from Drivesafe said: “It’s so easy to get carried away when watching the football. Everyone is so excited about England’s potential fortunes, it is easy to get carried away and go over the limit without realising it. That’s why our message is ‘None For The Road’. If you’re planning on watching the match and having few drinks, don’t take the risk of getting behind the wheel, Greater Manchester has a fantastic public transport network and if all else fails just call a cab.”
Cllr Bernard Priest, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: "I want to remind anyone watching World Cup games or enjoying afternoon barbecues this summer that what they think of as a quick harmless drink could easily result in them losing their licence, their job or even causing a fatal accident. The best advice is always to leave your car at home if you think you might have a drink."
GMP will be holding a drink drive twitterchat on Thursday 5 June and tweeting live from a traffic shift on Saturday 13 June. Follow @gmpolice and @gmptraffic for more information.
Launch of Summer Drink Drive Campaign
Emergency services have today (Monday 2 June) launched their summer drink and drug driving campaign ahead of the World Cup.
Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service have joined forces with the Police & Crime Commissioner, Drivesafe and local authorities to raise awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
The month-long operation will see police officers on patrol around the clock targeting suspected drink drivers.
Police will also be using new portable drug testing machines to test instantly whether a driver is under the influence of drugs, rather than having to wait for a doctor to administer a blood test.
During last year’s summer drink drive campaign police carried out almost 5,000 breath tests and arrested 252 people.
Following on from Christmas, police are continuing to encourage abstinence rather than restraint and will be hammering home the ‘none for the road’ message using social media and posters in pubs.
Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith said: “We tend to see an increase in the amount of people drink driving during the summer months, be it because they’ve nipped to a beer garden after work or got caught up in the moment and drunk one too many at a barbecue.
“This year’s World Cup heightens the risk of drink driving and while we’re not looking to spoil anybody’s fun, we’d urge supporters to plan ahead and arrange transport prior to kick off so they don’t turn an evening of celebration into a lifetime of regret.
“Our officers have seen first-hand the devastation caused by drink and drug driving and we make absolutely no apology for relentlessly targeting this type of behaviour as it could save lives.
“If you don’t trust yourself not to drink then our simple advice is to leave the car at home. The only safe amount to drink if driving is none at all so do yourself and other road users a favour and leave the car keys alone.
“Be aware also that you might still be over the limit the following morning, particularly after some of the later kick offs. Our officers will be out around the clock targeting drink drivers so make sure you are safe to drive before getting behind the wheel.”
Deputy PCC Jim Battle said: “This summer, particularly with the World Cup, is a time of celebration and enjoyment for people across Greater Manchester. However, we have a responsibility to ourselves and others to behave responsibly.
“All right people know that drinking and driving is completely unacceptable, and has devastating consequences. It’s important that everyone gets the message loud and clear – Greater Manchester Police will not tolerate drink driving, regardless of the circumstances and regardless of the time of year.
“Late kick offs this year pose a particular problem. If you have been drinking late, please leave your car at home when going to work the next day – it’s simply not worth taking the risk.”
Senior Paramedic, Duncan Mayoh said: “The devastation to both victims, their families and often witnesses to alcohol related incidents is indescribable and is something that will live with them for the rest of their lives. We see numerous injuries that can change lives for ever and unfortunately, too many deaths on our roads and all for the sake of a couple of drinks. We have dealt with victims, including drivers, passengers and other innocent road users who have lost limbs, have to live with facial and other disfigurements and some who will never come home. Our message is clear and simple, just one alcoholic drink is not worth killing someone for and that ultimately is the real risk.”
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s Group Manager Stuart Millington said: “Lots of people like a drink during the summer months, but some people will attempt to drive afterwards and these journeys can end in tragedy.
“Our firefighters now rescue more people from car crashes than they do from fires. These people often suffer devastating injuries - sometimes they don’t survive at all.
“Drinking and driving is a recipe for death and disaster – stay safe this summer don’t drink and drive.”
Karen Delaney, Communications Officer from Drivesafe said: “It’s so easy to get carried away when watching the football. Everyone is so excited about England’s potential fortunes, it is easy to get carried away and go over the limit without realising it. That’s why our message is ‘None For The Road’. If you’re planning on watching the match and having few drinks, don’t take the risk of getting behind the wheel, Greater Manchester has a fantastic public transport network and if all else fails just call a cab.”
Cllr Bernard Priest, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: "I want to remind anyone watching World Cup games or enjoying afternoon barbecues this summer that what they think of as a quick harmless drink could easily result in them losing their licence, their job or even causing a fatal accident. The best advice is always to leave your car at home if you think you might have a drink."
GMP will be holding a drink drive twitterchat on Thursday 5 June and tweeting live from a traffic shift on Saturday 13 June. Follow @gmpolice and @gmptraffic for more information.