Would You Snitch on a Drink Driver This Christmas?
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the UK’s top cop for road safety, is asking a tough question this festive season: Would you report a drink driver? A new national crackdown puts the spotlight on stopping drink drivers before they cause tragedy.
Public Support High—but Action Low
- A whopping 81% of Brits (88% in Sussex and Surrey) say drink drivers should be reported to police.
- Yet, less than half would actually pick up the phone to report a culprit.
- 36% of men and 46% of women say they’d grab a drink driver’s keys to stop them.
- Just 2% say they wouldn’t try to stop a friend from drink driving at all.
‘Drink Driving – Together We Can Stop It’ Campaign
The new campaign urges everyone to help prevent, persuade and call the police to reduce deaths and serious injuries on UK roads. It’s backed by the nationwide police operation Op Limit, running through the football World Cup and Christmas season. All forces in England and Wales are beefing up patrols to catch drink and drug drivers.
In 2020, an estimated 6,480 people were killed or hurt in crashes involving drivers over the drink-drive limit. Sussex Police is urging revellers to plan ahead: assign a designated driver, pre-book a taxi, or walk to your venue.
Strong Words from the Top
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne warns: “Too many drivers still don’t care or think they won’t get caught. Alcohol or drugs impair anyone’s ability and judgement – it’s simply a risk no one should take.”
Chief Constable Jo Shiner adds: “Drink drivers face at least a 12-month ban, unlimited fines, and even prison. Plus, the hit to your job and a criminal record. Most importantly, you could kill or seriously injure yourself or others. I lost my dad on the road as a teenager – I know the heartbreak. Let’s work together this Christmas to stop more families facing loss.”
What You Can Do
- Plan ahead for nights out – designate drivers or book taxis.
- Step in and persuade friends not to drive after drinking.
- If persuasion fails, report drink drivers to police so they can be stopped and arrested.
Last year, Sussex and Surrey officers made over 2,000 arrests for drink and drug-driving. This Christmas, the message is clear: Help stop drink driving before tragedy strikes.
