AVON and Somerset Police are cracking down on drink and drug drivers in a bid to reduce fatal and serious injury road traffic collisions (RTCs).
Operation Tonic from today (Monday, August 21) until Sunday (August 27) aims to take drivers under the influence off the road.
There will be proactive high-visibility roadside checks at key locations identified through intelligence-led insights and officers’ local expertise.
Operation Tonic will also centre on swift responses to live CCTV updates and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) hits.
Chief Inspector Rob Cheeseman, head of road policing and road safety, said: “Drink and drug driving was a factor in a third of RTCs in Avon and Somerset in 2021.
"They involved the deaths of 12 people, all of whom had families, friends and loved ones whose lives will be forever impacted. This is unacceptable.
“This operation will leverage intelligence, visibility, and responsiveness to send a clear message that there is no excuse for endangering lives through drink and drug driving.
“Roadside checks will be taking place across the force area at key times throughout the day and night.
"There is no safe way to drink and drug drive, so please don’t take the risk.”
CI Cheeseman added: "If you suspect drink/drug driving is happening, don’t look the other way – tell us.
“Your information could prevent serious harm to others by helping us make targeted arrests and taking dangerous and irresponsible drivers off our roads.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford said: “It is shocking that individuals still think it is acceptable to get behind the wheel when under the influence of drink and/or drugs.
"We all know what the risks are if you choose to drive while under the influence; not only are you putting your own life at risk but also endangering others.
"This operation, as well as the wider work the Roads Policing Unit does, will make our roads safer for everyone.”
Causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink/drugs carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
POLICE TIPS TO KEEP DRIVERS SAFE.
- Do not drink or drug drive – and do not let anyone you know do so either.
- Plan travel arrangements in advance and arrange a designated driver who won’t drink or take any drugs.
- Be aware of the risks of getting behind the wheel, not just on the evening of drinking, but also the morning after.
- Having a large cup of coffee won’t clear the body of alcohol or dull its effects.
- It’s safest not to drink at all if you are driving early the next day.
- Drinking at home can make it more difficult to judge measures, so don’t drive.
Reports drink/drug drivers can be made online at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/drink-and-drug-driving/ or via 999 if someone is currently driving under the influence.
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