The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Lincolnshire Police are urging you ‘Don’t Blow a Positive’ as part of its campaign against drink and drug driving this Christmas.
The force says over the previous 12 months there have been 806 drink drive and 544 drug driving arrests.
Just under half of drivers arrested are aged 31 to 50 with rises in the past year having been recorded in the 18 to 24, 31 to 40 and 41 to 50 age groups.
There’s been a 15 per cent increase in men being arrested when compared to the previous year.
Drug driving has seen an increase in arrests between the age groups 31 to 40 and 41 – 50 years, with an 19 per cent increase in the number of women being arrested when compared to the previous year.
A Lincolnshire Police spokesman, said: “Our “Don’t blow a positive” Christmas campaign will remind people driving over the drink or drug driving limit is a criminal offence which comes with heavy social and financial burdens, as well as a criminal conviction.
“If you’re thinking of taking the risk and driving over the limit, fast forward to being stopped. That sinking feeling knowing you’ll “blow a positive”, be arrested and charged.
“Rewind that scenario to the beginning and make a different choice. Be the person that puts your job, livelihood, friends and family first, not after a drink or drug choice.
“Most drivers respect the drink and drug drive laws, recognising the inherent dangers of driving while being unfit through drink or drugs.
Research shows more drivers take a risk with drink or drug driving in December and we’re asking for your help to reduce the number of people who do.
“We know that most people find drink or drug driving completely unacceptable and we’re reinforcing this message to those who carry on regardless.
“Our officers know well that a positive drink or drug test leads to a driving ban and the loss of a person’s driving icence. This can lead to loss of employment as driver’s can’t get to work or need their licence for work. A loss of income will lead to other financial difficulties and a loss of housing and social opportunities too.
“We’ll be increasing our efforts on targeting those who take the risk with their own and other people’s lives.”
“If you are concerned by someone who drives while they are under the influence of drink or drugs, you can call us and let us know.”
You can contact Lincolnshire Police:
- By emailing force.control@lincs.police.uk
- By calling 101 or in an emergency 999
- Through the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
If you know someone who drives after drinking or drug taking, talk to them about getting alcohol or drug support. Help is available and it just takes one phone call:
- Get help now | Alcohol Change UK
- Alcohol support – NHS
- Drug addiction: getting help – NHS
- Honest information about drugs | FRANK
More information on drink driving can be found here: The drink drive limit – GOV.UK
Information on drug driving : Drugs and driving: the law
