The South Yorkshire Safer Road Partnership have announced a campaign raising awareness around drink and drug-driving in South Yorkshire over the Christmas period.
The group’s message is ‘don’t let alcohol wreck your Christmas’, as one in 10 drivers tested were found to be over the limit on local roads last December.
The partnership, which is supported by South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue and the South Yorkshire Police, aims to drive down the number of drink or drug related road deaths.
Simon Dunker, Area Manager for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue (SYFR) said: “We want everyone across the four districts to have a safe and happy Christmas.
“If you’re having a drink, leave the car at home, book a taxi, use public transport or agree on a designated driver.
“The last thing our officers want is to be cutting you out of a crashed car and telling loved ones you are not coming home.
“Driving under the influence of drink or drugs puts lives at risk. The message is simple: have none for the road.”
It is estimated that 260 people were killed directly as a result of drink-driving accidents in the UK in 2021, with a further 6,740 people injured.
Road users can be banned from driving, fined and imprisoned if they are found to be over the alcohol limit or test positive for drugs at the wheel.
A spokeswoman for SYSRP said: “Social situations and peer pressure can play a role in influencing individuals to drink and then drive.
“Some people may not have planned ahead for a designated driver or alternative transportation, leading them to make the risky decision to drive under the influence.
“Preventing drink and drug driving is a shared responsibility. As well as educating road users and enforcing the laws, we all have a role to play in making safe decisions.”
The campaign follows Road Safety Week which began on 19 November last month and focused on the dangers of speeding whilst driving.