North Yorkshire Police Summer drink and drug drive campaign - "If only you could see what we see"

North Yorkshire Police are telling you that if you could see what they saw you would realise, it’s never worth getting behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.

North Yorkshire Police are joining a national campaign which started on Monday 1st July 2024 and aims to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while under the influence of drink and drugs, as well as targetting those who choose to put other road users at risk by committing these offences.

At the start of this latest campaign, they released camera footage which shows a drink driver on the A162 near Tadcaster. The driver, a 48-year-old man from the York area was stopped and blew 115 at the roadside, the legal limit is 35. In custody, he failed to provide an evidential sample which is an offence, and he was charged to court which resulted in a 24-month driving disqualification.

Chief Inspector Alex Butterfield from North Yorkshire Police’s Specialist Operations team commented:

"As police officers we are far too familiar with the tragic consequences of road traffic collisions.

“The footage released today shows just a snapshot of one drink driver. By stopping this driver, we have once again potentially prevented a catastrophic outcome.

“Sadly, we attend many collisions which are caused by drivers who are under the influence of drink or drugs.

“We see first-hand the devastating consequences that they cause and a lot of these could have been prevented if individuals had stopped to think about their actions before choosing to drive under the influence of drink or drugs.”

North Yorkshire Police use the term 'the ripple effect,' as one individual’s decision can lead to trauma for many others. A serious or fatal collision often causes devastation and heartache for many people all the way from the emergency services staff who initially deal with the incident, to the friends, family and colleagues of the loved one who will grieve for many years after the event.

During the month of July, the police will be joining other forces and having an increased focus on targeting motorists who put their own and others’ lives at risk. Over the next four weeks they will be increasing the number of marked and unmarked police vehicles that patrol the road network in North Yorkshire. North Yorkshire Police are also reminding the public that it’s not just about having a drink or taking drugs and getting straight into the car – you can also be over the limit the morning after. As part of the campaign, police will be conducting increased static and mobile checks early in the morning.

Chief Inspector Alex Butterfield added:

“ Over the coming weeks motorists should expect to see static stop checks when travelling around the county.

“With the Euros taking place and many summer events now in full swing, it’s a social time of the year. Our advice this summer remains the same as the rest of the year; instead of one for the road, make it non for the road.

“ I’m asking people to be responsible and after drinking alcohol, arrange lifts, utilise a taxi or public transport to get home. Drink and drug driving is totally unacceptable and motorists who are found to be driving in excess of the limit or under the influence of drugs will be put before the court.”

North Yorkshire Police are advising that if you know someone who is about to drive and you believe they are under the influence of drink or drugs you should call  999. 

Remember you can also provide information anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.