Police and Crime Commissioner supporting Summer anti-drink and drug driving moves

• Drivers who combine alcohol and drugs when driving, are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those who do not
• Driving under the influence of drink or drugs, using a mobile phone behind the wheel, driving at inappropriate speeds and not wearing a seatbelt are the most common causes of collisions on the road and known as ‘the Fatal Four’.
• Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson is joining police forces in supporting a national campaign called Operation Spotlight targeting the Fatal Four.
• Mr. Nelson said, “While most people’s attitudes to driving under the influence of drink and drugs have changed for the better, the statistics are proof that we still need campaigns like this”.

‘Operation Spotlight’ is focussing on the four most commons causes of collisions where people are killed or seriously injured on the country’s roads.

Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson is joining police forces in supporting a national campaign targeting the so-called "Fatal Four".

‘Operation Spotlight’ is targeting those who drive under the influence of drink or drugs, use a mobile phone while behind the wheel, drive at inappropriate speed and don't wear a seatbelt, to make the country's roads safer for everyone.

Mr. Nelson said, “While most people’s attitudes to driving under the influence of drink and drugs have changed for the better, the statistics are proof that we still need campaigns like this in order to remind those who put their own selfish and irresponsible attitudes first that adopting a zero approach to alcohol won’t ruin your summer, but it might save a life.

“And when you share the experiences of those who have killed someone, or lost a loved-one in this way, you realise what a terrible and senseless waste it is.

“Hopefully, more roadside checks will act as both a reminder and a deterrent, to those who stubbornly refuse to change their behaviour."

Throughout the summer months, motorists can expect to see more roadside police checks in both urban and rural areas across the county. Enforcement action will also see the Special Constabulary conducting a number of proactive operations and police officers patrolling specific routes.

The multi-partnership campaign in Gloucestershire is co-ordinated by Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as part of the Road Safety Partnership.

It aims to educate drivers of the dangers and penalties they could face by getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol and/or drugs.

Inspector Martyn Murawa from Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit said: “We want to do everything we can to ensure the roads of Gloucestershire are as safe as possible. Our campaign will see an increased presence on the county’s roads with officers conducting roadside checks focusing on the "Fatal Four" causes of road deaths.

“We hope that the residents of Gloucestershire take their responsibilities as road users seriously this summer as sadly we do see an increase in fatal and serious injury collisions over the summer months.

“Everyone has their own part to play in making our roads safer, choosing to make good decisions and encouraging family and friends to do the same.”

Statistics show that drivers who combine alcohol and drugs are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than sober ones. Research shows that a lot of drink drivers have the 'it won’t happen to me’ mentality when choosing to drive under the influence of drink or drugs. So one aspect of the campaign is to ask motorists if they would be a good enough mate to consider letting a friend drive when they had been consuming drink or drugs?

With summer catch-ups and get togethers fast approaching, motorists are reminded to plan ahead and think about how they will get home, be it appointing a designated driver, booking a taxi or using public transport. Do not take the risk – it could cost lives, is the message.

Cllr. Dave Norman, Chair of the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership said: “Drink and drug driving isn’t acceptable at any time of year, but we’re working together to remind you again this summertime.

"Plan your journeys home in advance, enjoy your summer safely, stick to the rules to avoid any unpleasant consequences. Let’s work together to keep our roads safe.”