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Numerous drivers throughout Avon and Somerset were apprehended during December for being over the legal alcohol and/or drug limits.
Avon and Somerset Police executed 241 arrests for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs as part of Operation Limit, a nationwide initiative aimed at decreasing fatal and severe Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) and ensuring the safety of road users during December.
Throughout the month, various strategies were utilized to focus on drink and drug drivers, which included checkpoint locations, intelligence-led stops, public tips, and proactive patrolling.
One arrest occurred at the site of an accident in Pucklechurch on December 14, where a vehicle carrying five individuals crashed into a telegraph pole. Thankfully, no occupants in the vehicle experienced serious injuries.
A 17-year-old male detained at the scene was subsequently charged with driving over the alcohol limit, operating a vehicle without a license, and lacking third-party insurance. He is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
Analysis of Results
Driving under the influence of alcohol constituted 62 percent of arrests made during the operation, whereas drug driving violations made up 38 percent.
Individuals aged between 25 and 34 represented 32 percent of those apprehended, followed by those aged 35-44 (24%) and under-25s (20%).
88.4 percent of the detained individuals were male.
The highest volume of arrests occurred in Somerset, where 80 individuals were found to be over the limit, followed closely by Bristol (66) and South Gloucestershire (46). North Somerset documented 36 arrests, with B&NES tallying 14.
Emphasizing the Threats of Drug Driving
Driving while intoxicated remains a significant contributor to road fatalities, accounting for 17 percent of deaths on UK roadways. However, driving under the influence of drugs presents an equally critical danger to road safety.
Substances like cannabis and cocaine can hinder reaction time, coordination, and decision-making, exponentially raising the chances of a grave accident.
This message was emphatically conveyed during the December campaign through a poignant interview with Samantha Davies, mother of Daniel Davies, who sadly died at 16 in an incident instigated by a drug driver. In the interview, Samantha articulated the profound pain of losing her son and implored individuals to consider the ramifications of their choices.
She stated:
“Dan had his entire future ahead of him… I will never know if he would become the person I envisioned he might. It’s a sorrow deeper than any sorrow you could ever feel.”
The interview has been circulated across Avon and Somerset Police’s social media channels to reinforce the notion that driving under the influence of drugs is equally perilous and intolerable as drink driving. Since the beginning of 2024, 55 fatal and serious injury accidents within the Avon and Somerset Force area have been associated with drink- and/or drug-driving.
Chief Inspector Robert Cheeseman, leading Roads Policing and Road Safety for Avon and Somerset Police, commented:
“During the festive season, 241 individuals made the negligent choice to drive under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. Thanks to proactive law enforcement and community assistance, we have ensured they are no longer a risk to others on the road.
“Choosing to operate a vehicle while impaired is not only unlawful—it’s an incredibly reckless act that can devastate lives in moments. Every incident caused by alcohol or drug driving leaves a lasting trail of pain and sorrow for families and communities.
“We appreciate all those who provided us with information throughout this campaign. Each tip aids us in taking urgent action and sends a clear message: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated on our roads.”
Road users face up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited monetary fine, and a significant driving prohibition if caught operating a vehicle while over the legal limit. Causing death through negligent driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
If you witness drink/drug driving incidents, reports can be submitted online at: Report drink and drug driving | Avon and Somerset Police or by phoning 101. Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555111, with useful resources available on their website: Drink and drug driving | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org). If someone is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, always dial 999.
To discover essential facts about the impacts and potential repercussions of drink and drug driving, visit Alcohol and drug driving | British Transport Police (btp.police.uk)
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