HAMPSHIRE Police has joined forces with their Thames Valley counterparts to launch a month-long Christmas drink-drive campaign.

The Where will you end up tonight? campaign, which carries the hard-hitting theme of a mortuary to emphasise the potentially fatal consequences of drink-driving, is aimed at reducing the numbers of deaths and injuries caused on our roads by people who drive while impaired.

The campaign reinforces the stark message that motorists who drink-drive risk ruining not just their own life but the lives of others too, such as passengers, pedestrians and other road users.

Hampshire Police spokesman Sergeant Rob Heard said: “Too many people are still taking the risk to drive while impaired. Nearly 7,000 people were breathalysed by police across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight last December, with 150 people being arrested for providing a positive result, failing to provide or refusal. They could have caused a crash that killed or left someone injured with a lasting life-changing impact for themselves, family and friends.

“The campaign asks ‘Where will you end up tonight?’, illustrating that you could end up in a mortuary having died in a road crash caused by drink-driving. That could be in various circumstances; you could be a drink-driver who caused a collision, or you could be a passenger in the car of the impaired driver.

“Do not be tempted to get a lift from someone who will be over the limit as you are putting yourself in danger too.

“It’s not worth the risk,” stressed Sgt Heard.

And he added: “Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police remain dedicated to patrolling our roads to reduce the number of people who are killed or injured as a result of drink and drug driving.

“To anyone driving this December, please stop and consider the consequences of a loved one being told the devastating news that your reckless actions have caused the trauma and tragedy of a fatal collision.”

If you believe someone is driving while impaired, call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 or text 80999 with details of the vehicle, driver, location and times.

If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.