Burnham-On-Sea Police have launched their annual Christmas drink and drug drive campaign this week.
Operation Tonic, which will run until the start of January, will involve high visibility and covert patrols aimed at targeting drink and drug drivers across Somerset.
As part of the campaign, Police are calling on members of the public to shop a drink or drug driver by ringing 999 if it is happening now or texting the word ‘drunk’ with brief details of the car, location and driver to 07400 249101 if it is not someone currently driving.
By targeting drink and drug driving, Police aim to help reduce deaths, serious injuries and crime on the roads of the Avon and Somerset force area.
Drink/drug driving is one of the ‘fatal four’ offences, together with speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving, that are known to cause the majority of deaths on our roads.
Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Cullen said: “Our message is very simple; if you get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs, you are risking your life and the lives of those around you.”
“The arrests we made last December weren’t the ‘Christmas party people’ we were expecting and many people we arrested had substance abuse issues.”
“That’s why we’re asking friends or family of people who might be using alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with a hard time, and are at risk of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to talk to them about the risks.”
“If this approach doesn’t work and you are concerned about someone driving under the influence and causing danger to themselves and others, please tell us before someone is seriously injured or killed. Call 999 if someone is driving while over the limit now or save 07400 249101 into your phone and text us starting with the word ‘Drunk’.”
