Police Intensify Patrols to Combat Impaired Driving

Law enforcement officials are cautioning motorists in the south west against endangering “your own life as well as the lives of other innocent road users” by operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol during the holiday season. Devon and Cornwall Police announced an increased deployment of roadside checkpoints throughout the region to address drivers operating vehicles under the influence. The force stated that a conviction for driving while impaired by drink or drugs could result in a minimum 12-month driving ban in addition to a substantial financial penalty. Sgt Owen Messenger, from the roads policing team, observed: “We always notice an increase in drink and drug driving in the festive season, that’s down to people going out to Christmas parties and things. “No matter how many campaigns we do and no matter what we say people will still take that risk. “Every year people are killed and seriously injured on the roads due to drink and drug driving yet people continue to do it.” The police force confirmed that Operation Limit, a nationwide road safety initiative, would involve officers actively patrolling road networks to respond to intelligence and take action against any driver engaging in risky behavior. Mr Messenger recommended selecting a designated driver, utilizing public transportation, or pre-arranging taxis as the most advisable options. He expressed: “It makes me sad… people think it’s not going to happen to them but it does happen to people and families and lives are ruined just because someone didn’t plan how to get home from the party or the pub,” Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.