‘This one’s on us’- designated drivers to get new lapel badges

• Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership is launching a badge to indicate when someone is a designated driver
• it is hoped it will stop other drinkers from tempting them with alcohol on a night out
• Last year there were 112 accidents involving drink in Gloucestershire, 42 of which resulted in people being killed or seriously injured
• Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire Nick Evans, said: “We have too many collisions on the county’s roads and the Road Safety Partnership is working hard to reduce deaths and serious incidents in Gloucestershire”
• Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Director of Specialist Operations, Superintendent Paul Keasey, said: “We welcome any initiative that helps prevent people from drinking and driving and encourages motorists to act responsibly”
• About nine per cent of casualties from all accidents were from drink-related collisions.

Drivers are often keen to do the right thing, but it can be difficult to say ‘no’ when offered a drink by friends. 

The knock-on effect can mean a driver with good intentions, having a drink that tips them over the limit, leaving them not only on the wrong side of the law but also a danger to other road users.

Now, the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) is trialling a badge for designated drivers to wear in the hope it will stop others tempting them with alcohol.

Nick Evans, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, said: “We have too many collisions on the county’s roads and the Road Safety Partnership is working hard to reduce deaths and serious incidents in Gloucestershire.

“There are lots of steps people can take to make them safer on our roads but avoiding alcohol and any other substances is one of the biggest ways they can stay safer. Not only reducing the likelihood of collisions, but also staying the right side of the law.”

Last year there were 112 accidents involving drink, 42 of which resulted in people being killed or seriously injured. About nine per cent of casualties from all accidents were from drink-related collisions.

Those figures represent a big increase since 2017 when there were 56 accidents involving alcohol, 24 of which resulted in people being killed or seriously injured. Five per cent of casualties from all accidents then resulted from drink-related collisions six years ago.

County Councillor Dave Norman, chair of the GRSP said, “Often drivers have good intentions, but they can be tempted when offered drinks by friends. This can be hard to resist, but it’s very easy to go over the limit.

“If you’re the designated driver it’s much better not to drink at all. Don’t take the chance and use one of our badges to help make it clear to others that you’re behind the wheel.”

The badge is silver, the size and shape of a two pound coin with the words “No thank you” inscribed. They are available from the Constabulary’s crime prevention team and neighbourhood engagement vehicles, as well as through Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s road safety work with education providers and the community.

Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Director of Specialist Operations, Superintendent Paul Keasey, said: “We welcome any initiative that helps prevent people from drinking and driving and encourages motorists to act responsibly.

“So many people have their lives affected by drink driving, be it because they are injured or lose loved ones through a collision, or are arrested and convicted.

“Having a designated driver who does not drink any alcohol before getting behind the wheel means that everybody gets home safely after a night out and helps to keep the roads of Gloucestershire safe.”