It’s been a year to remember for all the wrong reasons – but North Yorkshire Police is warning motorists not to make 2020 even worse by drinking and driving this Christmas.
Officers say they will catch dozens of offenders during the festive season who’ll end up in custody, losing their licence and getting a criminal record.
They say that they will be just as visable on rural backroads as in towns and cities. You are just as likely to get caught on the moors as in the suburbs.
The typical rise in the number of people who drink and drive at Christmas could be compounded by the recent reopening of the hospitality sector, officers fear. National research also shows that the amount people drink has risen significantly during lockdown.
In North Yorkshire, officers will be conducting roadside breath tests around the clock, including mornings when many motorists are caught over the limit from the night before. Information about possible offenders will be shared and acted on. Often they are acting on tip-offs from worried members of the public.
Anyone convicted of drink or drug driving gets a criminal record, and is subject to an automatic driving ban of at least 12 months and large fines.
Anyone who causes a death while drink or drug driving faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
Traffic Sergeant Andy Morton said: “It’s fair to say 2020’s been a terrible year, and one that most people will want to put behind them. However, it’ll get even worse for those who are caught drink driving.
We see first-hand the horrendous injuries, fatalities and carnage drink drivers cause not only to themselves, but to innocent people.
The force’s campaign, code-named Op Attention, runs alongside a national drink drive campaign by the National Police Chief’s Council.
“When you’ve had to pick up body parts from the carriageway and break devastating news to families, you have no sympathy for those who choose to drink and drive.” said Traffic Sergeant Andy Morton.