OVER the past three years 16 people have been killed and 185 seriously injured in Warwickshire and West Mercia following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.
That’s the message from Redditch officers in a reminder to people of the dangers of drink and drug driving during the run up to Christmas and the New Year.
Since the combined forces started their drink, drug, drive campaign on December 1, a total of 244 people have been arrested across the area for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“It’s encouraging that most motorists that have been stopped during the course of the campaign have been under the drink drive limit and we’d like to thank those people that have co-operated with roadside checks,” said Superintendent Daryn Elton for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police.
“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.”
The consequences of being caught under the influence is a minimum £5,000 fine and an automatic driving ban. However, if you are also involved in a collision the effects can be far reaching as John McSherry knows only too well. John and his wife Michelle were involved in a collision seven years ago involving a driver who was driving more than three times the legal limit. John and his wife were left with serious injuries and the driver died from his injuries.
John said: “People don’t stop to think of the consequences of their actions. Choosing to drive after drinking is completely irresponsible and no thought is ever given to what damage this can lead to.
“Myself and my wife have been left with life changing injuries that we have to manage everyday. At the time of the collision we also had two young sons who have had to learn to deal with the issues we now have to face.
“The effects of the collision haven’t just affected us, there are so many other people involved, such as other families, witnesses, friends and the emergency services who also have to pick up the pieces. I would urge anyone this Christmas to plan ahead and make alternative arrangements if you are drinking, even having one just isn’t worth the risk.”
