Greater Manchester Police is taking part in a national campaign to tackle drink and drug drivers this summer
From Monday 24 June until Monday 8 of July, anyone charged with drink or drug driving offences over the two weeks will have their names broadcast on social media.
The aim of the campaign is to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by drink or drug offences. The last drink and drug drive campaign took place in December 2018 where a total of 228 arrests were made.
They are not only a danger to themselves but, more importantly, to other innocent drivers or pedestrians using the road
Chief Inspector Harrison White said: “We do not tolerate anyone who is under the influence of drink or drugs while driving. They are not only a danger to themselves but, more importantly, to other innocent drivers or pedestrians using the road.
“The warmer weather and lighter nights can tempt people to stay out longer and have a drink but this is exactly the type of scenario that can lead to drink driving. If you do drink, please arrange alternative transport home to ensure you don’t affect anyone else’s night.”
The campaign is a more organised version of recent trends in the police using social media to communicate with the public, from humorous posts to taking moderators of active Facebook groups on ride alongs to see how the force is allocating its resources.
Your City Centre Neighbourhood Team are out and about across #citycentre this evening keeping you safe and targeting our busiest areas. #GMP #Manchester #bobbyonthebeat
Pc S pic.twitter.com/1Y2gi51nsU
— GMP City Centre (@GMPCityCentre) June 19, 2019
Social pressure is increasingly recognised as an effective means of behaviour control, most recently seen in the Make Smoking History Campaign as analysed here.
Anyone convicted of drink or drug driving will face a criminal record and a one-year driving ban. On average 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured each year in drink drive collisions. Nearly one in six of all deaths on the road involve drivers who are over the legal alcohol limit.