DRIVERS are being reminded of the dangers of drink and drug driving over the festive season by West Mercia Police.
The force warned motorists not to risk a conviction as it launched its annual campaign as part of Operation Christmas Presence.
With the season of festivities under way the issue is being highlighted across social media and local radio advertising will be taking place across the region.
Patrols and testing will also be stepped up by West Mercia Police between now and Christmas and new year.
Police say there is no foolproof way of calculating how much people can drink and remain under the limit, or knowing how much an individual person can drink and still drive safely.
Importantly, it is hard to calculate how long alcohol may stay in your body if you are driving the morning after so the safest option if you are driving is to drink no alcohol at all.
There are plenty of alternatives available with public transport, taxis and sharing designated drivers.
Pedestrians are also being encouraged to stay safe during the festive season and to plan safe routes home and to drink responsibly.
Figures show over the past three years 17 people were killed and 103 seriously injured in West Mercia following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.
The campaign supports the month long winter drink drive campaign by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC).
Police forces throughout the UK will be working hard throughout December to make sure the roads are safe for everyone this Christmas and West Mercia Police will certainly be no exception to this.
Enforcing the drink and drug drive law is a 24/7 commitment for West Mercia Police and to reflect this police officers will be enforcing at all times of the day and night.
Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans for West Mercia Police said: “There are still people out there who feel they can gamble with drinking and driving and think they know how much the limit is.
“Cracking down on those who take drugs or drink and then decide to drive is a year round commitment for us.
“However, we are very aware the festive season can present opportunities where people are tempted to drive under the influence.
“To combat this, extra patrols will be conducted in the run up to and over Christmas and New Year in a bid to tackle those who commit the unacceptable act of drinking or drug driving.
“The simple fact is, there is only one way of being sure that you are safe to drive and that is not to drink at all.”
