GREATER Police (GMP) has releasing the latest drink and drug drive figures midway through its Christmas crackdown.
The work forms part of Operation Advent, GMP’s response to tackling potential spikes in crime in the run up to Christmas, including drink and drug driving, burglary, alcohol-fuelled violence and theft.
Figures for the period 1-16 December 2012 show that police across Greater Manchester conducted 5,945 breath tests, which saw 217 people arrested for failing them. Of these, 32 were involved in collisions where the driver was found to be over the limit, and a further three people were arrested for drug driving following roadside impairment tests.
Among the tactics employed to tackle drink driving this Christmas, officers are carrying out breath tests at check points across the region and targeting drivers whom intelligence suggests might be offenders. Motorists are also being educated on the dangers of drink driving and the penalties for doing so.
Inspector John Armfield, GMP’s lead on drink driving, said: “When you consider that these figures are only for the first half of December, they make for grim reading. My message is very simple – if you are having a drink, don't drive.
“Sadly, the 217 people we’ve arrested so far are having a memorable Christmas for the wrong reasons, and I want to remind everybody that drink or drug driving wrecks lives. If you are caught you will face a criminal record, a heavy fine, loss of your licence, loss of your job perhaps and even a prison sentence possibly.”
Meanwhile price comparison website confused.com commissioned a secret camera campaign to highlight public apathy towards drink driving. Bless them.
A 90 second video has been released in which an actor pretending to be drunk asks passers-by for help getting into his car.
More than 50 people were approached by the actor. Of these, more than two thirds helped him get into his car, despite his drunkenness.
Eight people refused to help, telling the actor that he shouldn’t be driving, and just one confiscated the man’s car keys and called the police.
Confidential isn't sure what this slightly repellent species of moral guardian entrapment is trying to prove. It seems to imply that people are helpful on the one hand and want to avoid conflict on the other? Crikey. At least nobody took the keys and stole the car.
Drink driving is a serious matter but does the self-promoting work of confused.com really help?
