Play your part to prevent drink driving

Police are appealing to the public’s sense of shared responsibility to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on Cambridgeshire's roads this Christmas.

A total of 729 drink and drug driving related arrests have been made across Cambridgeshire between January and November this year, with the last month of 2022 still to go. This is compared to 771 arrests in the whole of 2021.

At the start of a month-long campaign the force is reminding people that drink driving could destroy lives forever.

In January, drink driver Damian Ralph was jailed for seven years and six months after he hit and killed a cyclist in Huntingdon before fleeing and hiding in a field.

In July, drink driver Nathen Pearson was brought to justice. He got behind the wheel to make sure his brother was safe, but ended up doing the opposite when he accidentally struck and killed him.

This year the force is supporting a new national campaign by Sussex Police and Surrey Police calling on the public and friends of drink drivers to prevent, persuade and – as a last resort – report drink drivers to police this Christmas.

The campaign asks friends to plan ahead for their night out over the festive period. Who is your designated driver? Can you pre-book a taxi? Can you walk to the venue?

There’s also a role for persuasion – can you step in to help someone who’s about to drink drive to get home safely? If persuasion doesn’t work, you can report a drink driver and in Cambridgeshire, this can be done via the 24/7 confidential hotline.

PC Nick Southern, Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s casualty reduction officer, said: “This year we’re encouraging bystanders, friends or members of the public to call out those who they think may be at risk of driving under the influence before it’s too late.

“This could include stepping in if they get their car keys out to drive when you know they’ve had a few drinks, or know they’re considering drink driving at a later date for a certain event, such as a Christmas party.

“While this year’s arrest statistics are currently lower than last year, there is still a whole month to go. We will not be complacent and do all we can to bring home the reality the consequences of getting behind the wheel after drinking.

“If drivers do so, not only do they risk their own lives but the lives of others and we will do all we can to bring them to justice.”

Officers will be cracking down on drivers while out on patrol and will be carrying out roadside checks across the county due to the serious consequences of drink driving.

In addition, a dedicated road policing operation will take place on 23 December across the county led by officers from the Beds, Cambs and Herts (BCH) Road Policing Unit alongside local officers.

Another day of action to target drink drivers the morning after will take place on Saturday 17 December, funded by the Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner through the Vision Zero Partnership.

Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston said: “I fully support any activity which helps reduce deaths and serious injury on our roads.

“My message is clear – there is no excuse to drink and drive this Christmas and I fully support any activity which catches those who think they are above the law and have blatant disregard for the safety of themselves and other road users. Don’t forget, you can still be over the limit the morning after.”

PC Southern urged people to remember that whether they stay at home or go out to celebrate the festive season this year, alcohol takes time to leave your system.

He added: “Please encourage others to consider a designated driver system or make sure to book taxis in advance, so there is no temptation to drive home while potentially over the limit. Before you, or any friends, family or someone you know get behind the wheel, please think – is it really worth the risk?

“I’d also like to remind people that they can help us make the roads of Cambridgeshire safer by reporting others they suspect of driving while under the influence.

“We have a dedicated hotline and all calls are taken in confidence. Just one call could save a life.”

The hotline: 0800 032 0845 is available 24/7. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Calls to the hotline more than doubled last year after the force’s festive campaign, with 19 calls in November 2021 compared to 57 calls in December.

For more information about drink or drug driving, the law and the dangers it can cause, visit the force's dedicated web page.