South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership
News
30 Nov 2020
STAY SOBER AND SAFE ON OUR ROADS
With weeks to go until Christmas Day, South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) is urging people to stay safe and sober on our roads this December.
2020 has been a year like no other and with tier three restrictions in place, the Covid-19 pandemic continues to bring significant challenges to communities.
With pubs, bars and restaurants currently only able to offer takeaway services, celebrations will look and feel very different – but the law on drink and drug driving remains the same.
Joanne Wehrle, SYSRP manager, said: “Everyone has had a difficult year and during the festive season, we totally appreciate people will be enjoying a drink at home.
“We all deserve to relax and make the most of Christmas 2020, but we have to remind people that even the smallest amount of alcohol can affect your judgement on the road.
“Whether it’s a quick drive to the shops after ‘a glass’ of wine with tea or your commute to work the morning after a few drinks, you could be over the limit.
“Let’s keep it simple – if you need to drive, don’t have a drink or take drugs. This year has been difficult enough, please do the right thing this Christmas.”
In December 2019, 130 drivers were arrested in South Yorkshire for failing an alcohol or drugs test. A total of 1,120 breath tests were carried out and of these drivers, 100 blew a positive result.
From this week, officers from South Yorkshire Police’s roads policing group will be back out on the streets setting up mobile check sites across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.
Roads Traffic Inspector Jason Booth said: “You, our communities tell us that drink and drug driving is among the top three areas you’d like us to focus on.
“This year, although Christmas will be slightly different for everyone, the dangers of drink driving remain the same.
“Our commitment to safer roads will also continue. Throughout December, officers will be carrying out roadside breath tests to ensure that those driving over the alcohol limit or driving whilst under the influence of drugs are caught and prosecuted.
“Please think before you get in a car. Is it really worth it? You could lose your job, your family or potentially even your life or kill someone else. Drink driving kills, it is a fact.”
Police enforcement activity will be supported by mobile messaging from SYSRP. The digital advans will be out and about every weekend in December at shopping areas across the county.
There will also be a two-week radio campaign and social media adverts aimed at those most likely to drink and drive.
“We don’t want anyone to remember this Christmas as the time they became a drink driver,” added Joanne.
“It’s been an incredibly difficult year. Let’s remember this year as the year we all helped each other, the year we took care of each other.
“Let’s not make life harder, please don’t drink and drive.”
As well as the risk of being involved in a collision, the consequences of drinking and driving include a ban, points on your licence, an unlimited fine or prison.
This will mean increased insurance costs, potential job loss and even restrictions on travel to other countries.
You can follow the campaign on social media using #nonefortheroad
2020 has been a year like no other and with tier three restrictions in place, the Covid-19 pandemic continues to bring significant challenges to communities.
With pubs, bars and restaurants currently only able to offer takeaway services, celebrations will look and feel very different – but the law on drink and drug driving remains the same.
Joanne Wehrle, SYSRP manager, said: “Everyone has had a difficult year and during the festive season, we totally appreciate people will be enjoying a drink at home.
“We all deserve to relax and make the most of Christmas 2020, but we have to remind people that even the smallest amount of alcohol can affect your judgement on the road.
“Whether it’s a quick drive to the shops after ‘a glass’ of wine with tea or your commute to work the morning after a few drinks, you could be over the limit.
“Let’s keep it simple – if you need to drive, don’t have a drink or take drugs. This year has been difficult enough, please do the right thing this Christmas.”
In December 2019, 130 drivers were arrested in South Yorkshire for failing an alcohol or drugs test. A total of 1,120 breath tests were carried out and of these drivers, 100 blew a positive result.
From this week, officers from South Yorkshire Police’s roads policing group will be back out on the streets setting up mobile check sites across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.
Roads Traffic Inspector Jason Booth said: “You, our communities tell us that drink and drug driving is among the top three areas you’d like us to focus on.
“This year, although Christmas will be slightly different for everyone, the dangers of drink driving remain the same.
“Our commitment to safer roads will also continue. Throughout December, officers will be carrying out roadside breath tests to ensure that those driving over the alcohol limit or driving whilst under the influence of drugs are caught and prosecuted.
“Please think before you get in a car. Is it really worth it? You could lose your job, your family or potentially even your life or kill someone else. Drink driving kills, it is a fact.”
Police enforcement activity will be supported by mobile messaging from SYSRP. The digital advans will be out and about every weekend in December at shopping areas across the county.
There will also be a two-week radio campaign and social media adverts aimed at those most likely to drink and drive.
“We don’t want anyone to remember this Christmas as the time they became a drink driver,” added Joanne.
“It’s been an incredibly difficult year. Let’s remember this year as the year we all helped each other, the year we took care of each other.
“Let’s not make life harder, please don’t drink and drive.”
As well as the risk of being involved in a collision, the consequences of drinking and driving include a ban, points on your licence, an unlimited fine or prison.
This will mean increased insurance costs, potential job loss and even restrictions on travel to other countries.
You can follow the campaign on social media using #nonefortheroad
