Lincolnshire Police festive road safety campaign sees 89 drivers arrested for drink or drugs
Police say the number of people they have arrested in Lincolnshire on suspicion of drink or drug driving offences has risen to 89 this month.
With New Year’s Eve celebrations yet to come, the force reminded drivers that if they get behind the wheel while impaired through drink or drugs, you risk much more than getting arrested.
The Christmas festivities saw a dramatic increase in numbers arrested, from 56 on December 22, despite the police warnings.
The seasonal road safety campaign has been warning people of the consequences of driving with alcohol or drugs in their system and spelling out the penalties if you are caught.
Under Operation Limit, officers have been carrying out extra patrols with checkpoints at key locations for breathalyser testing.
The force stated: “Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs your judgement and ability to drive safely.
“You risk injury or death to yourself, passengers and other road users.”
Inspector Jason Baxter of the Roads Policing Unit said: "Operation Limit is about education, engagement and enforcement on drink and drug driving. This is of course part of our daily business and something we prioritise year-round but this operation is a concentration of our efforts in a month where we see more people out socialising for the festive season. We are reminding drivers of the consequences of being over the limit which can include a hefty fine, a driving ban, and a criminal conviction.”
Insp Baxter explained: “It is vital that the people using our roads are fit to do so. This is about making Lincolnshire’s roads safer and ensuring that people make the right decisions. If you are out drinking, don’t drive - arrange a taxi or have a designated driver. Also be mindful that you could still be over the limit the following morning.”
More reasons not to drink or drug drive include:
- a criminal record
- a large fine
- losing your job
- losing your licence
If you suspect someone is drink or drug driving you can report via 101 or report online. If it’s an emergency, call 999. You can also tell the charity Crimestoppers what you know anonymously. Always. Call 0800 555 111 or fill in the Crimestoppers online form.
Drink/drug driving - key facts:
- The legal alcohol limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
- If you've been out drinking, you may still be affected by alcohol the next day and could lose your licence if you drive and are still over the legal limit.
- Alcohol affects everyone differently and any amount can impair your ability to drive. The only safe option is to avoid alcohol completely if you’re driving as even ‘just one drink’ could put you over the limit.
- It's an offence to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified level in your blood.
- The limit set for each drug is different, and for illegal drugs the limits set are extremely low.
- You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure about whether your prescription or over-the-counter medication will affect your ability to drive.