Would You Snitch on a Drink Driver This Christmas?
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the UK’s top road safety cop, is calling on the public to take a stand against drink driving this festive season. A new national campaign urges everyone to “help prevent, persuade, and call the police” on drink drivers this winter.
The Shocking Stats on Drink Driving
- 81% of Brits (88% in Sussex and Surrey) reckon drink drivers should be reported — but less than half actually would.
- 36% of men and 46% of women say they’d take the keys off someone trying to drive drunk.
- Just 2% say they wouldn’t step in to stop a mate from driving drunk.
The figures highlight a worrying gap between what people think and do.
‘Drink Driving – Together We Can Stop It’ Campaign Kicks Off
Running alongside Operation Limit, police forces across England and Wales are ramping up patrols ahead of Christmas and the World Cup. Their mission: catch drink and drug drivers before they hit the roads.
In 2020, an estimated 6,480 people were killed or injured in crashes involving drivers over the drink-drive limit.
Sussex Police Issue Festive Drink Driving Warning
Sussex Police urges friends to sort a designated driver, pre-book a taxi, or find safe ways home this Christmas. And if you spot someone about to drink and drive, step in.
If persuasion fails, report the offender so police can act. Last year, Sussex and Surrey cops made over 2,000 drink and drug driving arrests.
“Everybody knows drink and drug-driving can have serious consequences but too many don’t care or think they won’t get caught,” said Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne.
“Alcohol or drugs impair driving ability — it’s a risk no one should take.”
Chief Constable Jo Shiner added: “Drink drivers face at least a 12-month ban, unlimited fines, and possibly prison. You risk losing your job and carrying a criminal record. Most importantly, you could kill or seriously injure yourself or others.”
“I lost my father to a road tragedy as a teenager — let’s work together this Christmas to stop families facing that heartbreak.”
This Christmas, police say it’s on all of us to prevent drink driving. Plan ahead, persuade friends, and if needed, report offenders. Together, we can make the roads safer this festive season.
