Don't drink and drive

Drink Driving

🎄 SMARTALERT: Have a Safe Festive Season – Don’t Drink & Drive 🚗

Over the festive period (1 Dec – 1 Jan), 58,675 roadside breath or drug tests were conducted in the UK as part of Operation Limit. [news.npcc.police.uk]
Nearly 10% of drivers tested positive for alcohol; 2,782 were arrested for drink or drug driving – nearly double previous years. [news.npcc.police.uk]
In Great Britain, 19.6% of fatal collisions in 2023 involved alcohol or drugs. [gov.uk], [news.npcc.police.uk]
Between 2012–2019, December was the second highest month for drink-driving crashes: ~4,150 collisions—resulting in ~6,020 deaths or serious injuries. [brake.org.uk]
Annually, drink-driving contributes to 290–320 deaths, accounting for 17% of all road fatalities. [rac.co.uk], [brake.org.uk]

Offence	Possible Consequences
Over the limit / driving unfit	Up to 6 months imprisonment, unlimited fine, 12-month ban (3 years for repeat offenders) [gov.uk]
Being in charge (e.g., found drunk in a car)	Up to 3 months prison, £2,500 fine, potential ban [gov.uk], [express.co.uk]
Refusing a test	Same as over the limit: 6 months, unlimited fine, ban [gov.uk]
Causing death while drink-driving	Life imprisonment, unlimited fine, 5-year ban, plus extended test [gov.uk]

Additional Consequences:

Nominate a dedicated driver before you start celebrating.
Use taxis, rideshares, or public transport—pre-book if possible.
Hosting a party? Offer alcohol‑free options and encourage responsible travel plans.
Zero alcohol is always best if you're driving—even one drink can impair your reaction.

This holiday season, celebrate safely – your choices matter.
Stay safe, stay responsible, and cherish the moments that matter.

Message Sent By
Debbie Lea
(Staffordshire Police, PCSO, East Staffordshire)