The personal consequences of driving after drinking or taking drugs is the focus of a new campaign being launched on Monday 1st June by West Midlands Casualty Reduction Scheme in partnership with Safer Roads West Mercia, Warwickshire County Council and Leicester and Rutland Safety Camera Scheme. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the far reaching consequences of drink and drug driving for those aged between 17 and 24.

Figures from data analysed by West Midlands Casualty Reduction Scheme indicate that during January 2005 – December 2007, 1,208 collisions (4.6% of total) had driver influenced by alcohol or drugs as a causation factor. The campaign is designed to reach out to young people to raise awareness of what could happen to them if they are to make the decision to drive after drinking or taking drugs.

Billboard (click for PDF)

The immediate consequences for a young person if they are caught drink or drug driving include a minimum 12 month driving ban, up to 6 months in prison, a fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record. However, a conviction for drink or drug driving can have a major impact on the future prospects of a young person. For example, it may lead to job loss and significant problems when applying for a job in the future.

Driving after drinking or taking drugs significantly increases the chances of a person being involved in or causing a collision. The maximum penalty of being convicted of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs is 14 years' imprisonment, an unlimited fine, disqualification from driving for at least 2 years and a mandatory extended driving test.

The campaign coincides with the launch on 1 June of the summer drink drive campaign by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Lisa Newmarsh, Support Manager for West Midlands Casualty Reduction Scheme states: "This campaign is aimed at changing the mindset of those who believe they are fit to drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs by highlighting the consequences. These consequences could involve a hefty fine, points on licence, disqualification, job loss or future careers being tainted and at worst people could jeopardise their lives or the lives of other innocent road users by being under the influence whilst driving.

Now we are in the height of summer with many people enjoying a drink in pub beer gardens after a long day at work or having barbecues at weekends, make sure you plan ahead. Arrange a lift, use public transport, book a taxi or overnight accommodation – just remember to have no regrets and 'drive drink and drug free'."

West Midlands Police are working in partnership with the Casualty Redcution Scheme, also launching their summer drink and drug driving campaign on Monday 1st June. The month long operation is part of a national campaign to target people who drink or take drugs before getting behind the wheel.

Billboard (click for PDF)

Officers will be conducting roadside stop checks across the region throughout June. They will be breath testing suspected drink drivers and using intelligence to target hot spot areas.

Those arrested for drink driving may also find themselves drug tested as part of the Drug Interventions Programme run by West Midlands Police.

PC Steve Rogers, from the Force Traffic Unit, said: "Drink driving is an issue all year, but with the more relaxed atmosphere during the summer, the temptation to offend becomes greater. Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive. There is no foolproof way of drinking and staying under the limit, or of knowing how much an individual person can drink and still drive safely. Each person's tolerance to alcohol depends on a range of factors including weight, age, metabolism and current stress levels.

If you are caught drink driving or driving while under the influence of drugs, the consequences could be wide-ranging, including the loss of your driving licence, which will in turn, affect your career and family life. Ultimately you could go to prison. It's not worth the risk.

Driving while unfit through drugs is just as dangerous; this includes driving under the influence of prescribed medication and over-the counter products as well as illegal substances. These can affect perception, concentration and reaction times."

In last year's Christmas drink and drug driving campaign, over 20,000 drivers were stopped, of whom 4,155 were breath tested (compared to 3,420 tests carried out in 2007). Of those, 12.7 per cent tested positive, a drop on the previous year's percentage of 12.8 per cent.