NEARLY five people a month, on average, are killed or seriously injured on Surrey's roads as a consequence of drink and/or drug impaired drivers. This was the shocking statistic released by Surrey Police as the force joined Surrey County Council and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service to launch a publicity campaign across the county. This year's Christmas drink-drive campaign focuses on how lives can be devastated as a result of drinking and driving – and emphasises how such devastation could so easily be avoided. Drink-driving offences inevitably peak during the festive season, so to tackle this – and in support of the national drink-drive campaign – the four-week Partnership Christmas Drink-Drive Campaign was launched on Monday. Statistics show that people in a wide range of age groups drink and drive. Young men aged 19-30 show up as being particularly susceptible, both in terms of becoming casualties and being found to be over the drink- drive limit following a collision. People under 30 have the most drink-related collisions, with 20 to 24-year-olds the worst offenders. Statistically, women are less likely to drink-drive and represent a third of all drink-drive casualties. In a statement, the police said that Surrey officers vigorously enforce the drink-drive law every day but, with all the socialising that the festive season brings, the police understand that there can be an increased temptation for people to drink and drive. Those irresponsible drivers who choose to ignore the law are being targeted by Surrey Police and partner organisations, which are working in partnership for the public's safety with the aim, in the first instance, of educating them not to drink and drive which it is hoped will reduce road casualties. An advertisement carrying an emotive image and warning that 'Drinking and Driving Wrecks Lives' will be displayed on billboards on major routes into town centres across the county and framed roadside posters displayed during the summer campaign will remain in situ until the new year. Posters and leaflets carrying the same image and some practical information on how to avoid driving home after drinking will be distributed across the county in pubs, clubs, bars, community centres, petrol stations, libraries, schools, colleges and bus stops. As well as risking death or serious injury, drinking and driving could also mean losing your driving licence, your job and even your family and friends. You could also go to prison for a first offence if someone is killed. To help make potential offenders think about this, the stark and gritty warning 'You could be pi**ing away more than you think' is being displayed on a poster in the washrooms of pubs and clubs around Surrey. Although there is a legal limit of alcohol for driving in the UK, it is well recognised that any amount in your body when you drive will affect your ability to react in an emergency. Other factors such as tiredness, drugs and stress will also slow down your reaction time. Mix any of these with drink and you could be under the influence of a lethal cocktail. Officers will, therefore, always be extremely vigilant when it comes to road users who ignore the law. Surrey Police is committed to reducing both the number of road traffic collisions and the number and severity of casualties and in line with the ongoing casualty reduction campaign, officers will be looking out for motorists who commit certain core offences in particular. These include: l Driving under the influence of drink or drugs l Not wearing a seatbelt l Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving l Driving at excess speed l Ignoring traffic signs Inspector Rick Lawn, of Surrey Police strategic roads unit, warned drivers: "If you are involved in a collision or are caught committing road traffic offences or driving badly, or give the police reason to suspect you are over the limit, you will be breath tested or tested for drugs if an officer suspects these are involved. "The clear message is that drinking and driving has serious consequences – you risk killing or seriously injuring yourself or another person and you risk arrest and court. "If convicted you will face a fine, disqualification and a criminal record and you may go to prison. "People rarely think about the consequences of drinking and driving and the grief caused by injury or death. "It could happen to you, even if you are the passenger in a car driven by someone who has been drinking or taking drugs. "We want drivers to think about how their irresponsible behaviour could affect someone else's life as well as their own and the lives of others close to them." Road traffic collision reduction manager for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Kevin Noble, commented: "Roads can be hazardous throughout the year but in the run up to Christmas, with more social events taking place, the weather changing and often more distractions on people's minds, the risk increases. "Clearly a particular problem at this time of year is the potential increase in drink-driving. As fire- fighters we see the devastating impact of drink- driving on a regular basis and want to help stop the soaring statistics. "Please don't drink and drive and instead plan your journey ahead and help us to make Surrey's roads safer." Surrey County Council executive member for safer and stronger communities, Christine Stevens, added: "Drinking and driving is simply unacceptable. "At this time of year, when we enjoy seasonal lunches and evening events and it is tempting to think you can drink and still drive home, but the consequences can been horrific or fatal - for you, your family and your friends. "Just remember that alcohol blurs judgment. Don't drink and drive and enjoy this Christmas with those you care about." The appeal has gone out for those who have any information about those driving under the influence of drink or drugs to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
