Police start a crackdown on drink and drug-driving in Eastbourne

Sussex Police have started a month-long scheme to tackle drink and drug-driving today (December 1).

From now until January 1 the police will be focusing resources on preventing and detecting incidents of drink and drug-driving.

This is in addition to the routine roads policing work carried out 365 days a year, according to police.

Drink and drug-driving are one of the most common causes of collisions which result in death or serious injury.

While the vast majority of people are safe and competent, since the beginning of 2018 more than 6,000 motorists have been arrested on suspicion of drink or drug-driving in Sussex.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder of the Sussex Roads Policing Unit said, “The consequences of drink and drug-driving are far reaching.

“Even a small amount of alcohol or substances can massively impair your ability to drive safely and you increase the risk of seriously injuring or even killing yourself or someone else.

“Imagine being responsible for something like that. Not only have you destroyed the life of that person and their loved ones, you’ve also destroyed your own life.

“This is not just a warning; this is the reality. In the past three years there have been 296 collisions in Sussex which have resulted in death or serious injury and where drink or drugs has been the main contributory factor.

“Working with our divisional colleagues and partners including Sussex safer roads partnership we are committed to improving the safety of all road users and reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.

“We will target those at greatest risk on our roads, including motorcyclists, young drivers and vulnerable road users, and we will make the road network an inhospitable place for those intent on criminality by denying them use of the roads. We will achieve this through a combination of measures including education, engineering and enforcement, and we will continue to improve the safety of the road network with special emphasis on reducing casualty rates of vulnerable users.”

Police say anyone arrested during this period and convicted will be identified on its website and social media channels.

Mr Hodder said, “By raising awareness of this very serious issue, we hope to discourage people from getting behind the wheel having consumed drink or drugs. Those who do break the law will be dealt with robustly.

“It’s also important to add that drink and drug intake affects different people in different ways. This can depend on your gender, height, weight, and even stress levels. You could also be over the limit several hours after you’ve stopped drinking, so make sure you give it enough time before you drive. Drugs stay in your system far longer.”

Police and crime commissioner for Sussex Katy Bourne said, “I am still dismayed by the number of people who continue to get behind the wheel of their vehicle when they are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“I’m pleased to see Sussex Police cracking down once again on this selfish and reckless behaviour. This Christmas please remember the serious and life-threatening consequences of driving whilst under the influence. You will be caught; you will face the consequences. Ask yourself, is it worth it?”

Anyone in Sussex can call 999 or text police on 65999 with the details of people they suspect of drink or drug-driving.

People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online.