Operation Blue Christmas launched

OPERATION Blue Christmas has been launched by Cheshire Police to crackdown on drink and drug drivers this festive season.
Throughout December officers from the Cheshire Police Roads Policing team, along with support from Neighbourhood Officers, will be targeting suspected drink and drug drivers as part of the Constabulary’s efforts to reduce the number of fatal and serious collisions on the county’s roads.
Superintendent Bev Raistrick said: “Christmas is a time when many families come together to celebrate and enjoy themselves, and often a time for reminiscing and happy memories.
“Unfortunately this Christmas there are a number of families in Cheshire who will not be celebrating, instead they will be thinking about their loved ones who have been killed in fatal road traffic collisions involving alcohol.
“My officers have to deal with the devastating aftermath that drink drivers leave behind on a daily basis. Not only are they responding to collisions, but they are also working with the families of innocent victims, who have been killed as a result of drink driving.
“The key messages that I am looking to get across are the fact that there is no safe drink drive limit, and the fact that just one drink could be the difference between life and death. Everybody is different, and although you may feel that you are safe to drive, even a small amount of alcohol can affect your driving.”
In addition to the dangers of drink driving, officers are also keen to remind drivers that anyone who is caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs faces the prospect of losing their driving licence, a large fine and going to court.
The Constabulary is also warning drivers to consider the morning after effect, as many drivers do not realise how long it takes for their bodies to process the alcohol. Although they may think that they are safe to drive the morning after a night out, often they are in fact still over the drink drive limit and a danger to other road users.
Superintendent Raistrick added: “This year marks the 50th anniversary since the very first anti-drink drive campaign was run, and although the number of drink drivers has decreased dramatically over that period, there are still a small number of people who believe that it is acceptable to drive under the influence of alcohol.
“One of the issues that concerns me is the fact that we have seen an eight per cent increase in the number of drink drive arrests in Cheshire so far in 2014. It is particularly worrying that a large number of those arrested are young people who have their whole lives ahead of them.
“I am specifically appealing to the parents of young motorists to ask them set an example and to speak to their children about the dangers of drink driving and the devastating effects that it could have on their lives. By working together we can help reduce the number of deaths on our roads.”
Anyone who suspects a driver is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101. Alternatively information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.