Police have issued a stark reminder to motorists that there is "no excuse" for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, branding the ongoing behaviour of some drivers as "extremely frustrating".
Devastating Toll on West Mercia Roads
West Mercia Police have revealed the grim human cost of impaired driving across their force area. Over the last three years, 13 deaths on the roads have involved alcohol. A further 24 fatalities occurred in crashes where drugs were a factor.
The force also recorded a staggering 132 serious injuries linked to alcohol-related collisions. Highlighting the scale of the problem, officers arrested 186 people for drink-driving during December last year alone.
'No Fool-Proof Way' to Calculate Limit
Authorities are keen to hammer home the unpredictable dangers of drinking before driving. The force stressed there is "no fool-proof way of calculating how much you can drink and remain under the limit".
Superintendent Stuart Bill stated: "The drink-drive law has been in place for 60 years with the ability for officers to deliver breath tests at the side of the road since the 1980s. It’s therefore extremely frustrating that some motorists still drive under the influence."
He emphasised the modern availability of alternatives, adding: "With the variety of non-alcoholic options now available there really is no excuse. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can affect your ability to drive."
Christmas Crackdown and Severe Penalties
Throughout December, West Mercia Police will run Op Christmas Presence across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire. The operation will involve high-visibility patrols and robust enforcement 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The consequences for those caught are severe and can include:
- A driving ban of at least one year.
- An unlimited fine.
- Up to six months in prison.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: "There is absolutely no excuse for drinking or taking drugs and then getting behind the wheel. The consequences can be catastrophic – not just for the driver, but for innocent people, families, and entire communities."
He confirmed that road safety remains at the heart of his plan and pledged support for efforts to "reduce harm on our roads" and ensure offenders are "brought to justice".
