The message is a simple one, though it’s a shame it has to be repeated year after year as Christmas approaches: never, ever drink and drive.
December is underway, the party season is upon us and the PSNI is once again reminding all of us of the dangers of drinking and driving.
The force has to — and it should not be treated as a ‘going through the motions’ exercise. Because there are still some motorists who should, after all the warnings and all the deaths on our roads, know better.
During the PSNI’s 2023 campaign, more than 7,500 roadside breath tests were administered. Over 300 people behind the wheel were arrested after being found to be over the legal limit.
The chances grow slimmer and slimmer every year that those who take the risk, putting both their own and other road users’ lives in danger, will ‘get away with it’.
Do people really want to rely on luck when the simple, foolproof way of not being caught drink-driving is not to drive after you’ve been drinking?
The message could not be clearer.
Does anyone really want to start 2025 with the death of an innocent person on their conscience, time in jail, a driving ban which is likely to end their career and the shame of everything that follows?
And another thing to remember is that the police are no fools. They will be targeting areas where they know there’s a chance someone will take that risk.
There’s also an onus on us to keep our roads as safe as possible.
Read more
If we see someone getting behind the wheel who is in no fit state to do so, and they refuse to listen to reason, we can all try to save a life: let the police know.
All too often it’s someone else who pays the ultimate price for their selfishness.
It’s not just alcohol that’s posing a threat to lives on the roads. This winter, the PSNI is also stepping up the detection of people driving under the influence of drugs as well.
“A number of our road officers will also have drug wipes at their disposal,” warned Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson.
“This will allow us to target those using illegal drugs while driving and to ensure they face the full rigours of the law for their lack of care for the safety of fellow citizens.”
Everyone has been warned — and if caught, there will be no one else to blame.
This is not about stopping people having fun, enjoying the Christmas spirit and the party season.
It is OK to live a little, but let’s try to ensure we and others live a little longer too.