Motorists are being reminded of the dangers of drink drug driving following the latest national figures which show that the number of people being killed is at a twelve-year high.
Department for Transport data published on 27th July estimate that there were around 260 drink drive fatalities in 2021 which is a significantly increase on 2020. Meanwhile the number of people killed and seriously injured was 1880 which is an increase of 23% on 2020.
Detective Inspector Steve Kilsby, Head of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Leicestershire Police, said, “Driving while impaired, whether through drink or drugs, devastates lives. Sadly, each year drink and drugs are a contributory factor in death and serious injury on the UK’s roads.
“Despite our continued road safety messages, it is quite clear that far too many drivers make the decision to get behind the wheel while impaired by drink or drugs.”
“Just because you haven’t been out at the pub – drinking at home can still leave you over the limit, including the morning after, can I remind drivers not to put themselves and others at risk by choosing to have None for the Road.”
“Drivers should be aware that Leicestershire Police patrol 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week to challenge drink drug drivers and bring them before the courts.”
If you see someone who appears to be a drink or drug driverenter a vehicle to drive away, make a note of the registration plate and the direction of travel and call your local police on 101 or make a make a free and anonymous call to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
For arrest updates during the campaign, which will run until Thursday 31st August, follow us on: @RoadSafeLeics and facebook.com/LLRroadsafety