Festive Tunes Integrated into Anti-Drink-Driving Campaign

A police agency has incorporated Christmas carols into its yearly initiative against impaired driving (both alcohol and drug-related) during the holiday season. The Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership comprises several entities: Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service, and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. The campaign features specific songs, such as two adaptations of Jingle Bells, titled Siren Bells and Driving Through the Snow, along with Away in the Police Car, which draws inspiration from Away in a Manger. This initiative is scheduled to continue until 1 January. In December of the previous year, law enforcement reported the arrest of 122 individuals in Gloucestershire for driving infractions linked to alcohol and/or drugs. Among these arrests, 104 individuals were 25 years old or older, consisting of 99 men and 23 women. Ninety-one of the arrested individuals provided a residential address located within the county. According to a spokesperson, the campaign’s three primary messages focus on “awareness, the morning after and drug-driving”. Supt Jessica Loxley-Clark, who serves as the head of specialist operations, stated: “Drink or drug-driving will not be tolerated here in Gloucestershire.” She added: “We will be conducting roadside operations across the county, including those focusing on the morning after.” She advised motorists to be mindful that drugs, regardless of whether they are illicit or prescribed, can persist in the body for several weeks post-consumption, posing a significant hazard to both drivers and other individuals on the road. Chris Nelson, Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, commented: “This should be a happy time of year and we don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun but I fully support the proactive work of the constabulary to catch those who do choose to flout the law by drinking and driving on our roads this Christmas.” He further remarked: “The RoadPeace service in Minchinhampton last month, remembering everyone killed on the roads, was a solemn reminder of the need for all road users to be responsible.” Supt Loxley-Clark recommended that individuals make advance arrangements for their transportation home from holiday gatherings. She concluded: “Do not take the risk – it could cost lives.” For updates, BBC Gloucestershire can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions are accepted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material found on external websites and provides information on its external linking policy.