Motorists across Shropshire are being urged to plan ahead and use alternative transport during the festive period to avoid the temptation to drive home after drinking.
West Mercia Police has launched its annual campaign to crack down on drink and drug driving and raise awareness of new laws now in place.
The force is urging motorists to understand the dangers of drink and drug driving and to take into account prescription medication, which can also put a driver over the drug-drive limit.
Now bosses at the largest taxi firm in the West Midlands are backing the campaign, urging drivers to think about their journey home in advance to make sure they don’t get in their car after a festive drink.
Go Carz, which carries out about 75,000 journeys a week across Shropshire and the West Midlands, is getting ready for the Christmas rush and has more drivers on standby than ever before to make sure people get home safely.
Cindy Wilday, area director for Go Carz, said using a taxi to get home was an affordable alternative to driving.
She said: “Booking a taxi, especially organising your journey in advance, avoids the temptation to drink and drive.
“We really urge people to plan their journeys home ahead. If you are driving to your location, make sure you plan to leave your car there and get a taxi home.
“If you book your taxi in advance, you will avoid the temptation to jump in your own car.
“The risks are just too high to make it worthwhile. Not only would it cost you financially with severe penalties such as heavy fines and driving bans but there can also be very tragic consequences, which leave families without loved ones due to an accident caused by drink or drug driving. It is just not worth it.”
In the last three years in the West Mercia region, nine people have died and 108 people have been seriously injured following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.
Mrs Wilday said people often decided they wanted to order a taxi at the end of the night and then had to wait for a while during the peak period between 11pm and 2am.
She said: “That is when people get tempted on a cold night to get in their own car.
“We will have all our cars working over the Christmas period but the best way to ensure you have a taxi at the end of the night is to book in advance. Then you know you will get home safely.”
West Mercia police will be visiting licensed premises to distribute leaflets and posters highlighting the consequences of driving a vehicle when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Officers have said those who want to have a drink over the festive period should avoid using their vehicles and said they will catch anyone who tries to flout the law.
If you suspect a drink or drug driver, report them to West Mercia Police on 101 or 999. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
Go Carz is the largest private hire firm in the West Midlands, taking some 100,000 phone calls and carrying out about 75,000 journeys a week across Shropshire and the West Midlands.
Editor is the team behind Love Shrewsbury keeping you up to date with news and events.
Recent Post
