A CAMPAIGN is being held to raise awareness of the dangers of drink and drug driving - which will include ‘proactive patrols’ this Christmas

Somerset Council’s public health team is working in partnership with Somerset Road Safety and Avon and Somerset Police in an attempt to save lives.

The initiative involves newly created pocket-sized information cards to be distributed across the county highlighting the risks and signposting people to local drugs and alcohol support.

The collaboration comes in the lead up to the festive period when there is normally a spike in drink and drug related road incidents.

Chief Inspector Robert Cheeseman, head of roads policing and road safety, said: “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly increases the likelihood of being involved in a collision.

“Alcohol and drugs impair essential aspects of driving, including speed and distance judgment, reaction times, and coordination. They can also create a false sense of confidence, leading to increased risk-taking behaviour. There is no safe level of alcohol or drug consumption for driving – and absolutely no excuse for doing it.

“Our officers will be proactively patrolling throughout December to identify and stop dangerous drivers.”

The initiative involves newly created pocket-sized information cards to be distributed across the county highlighting the risks and signposting people to local drugs and alcohol support.
The initiative involves newly created pocket-sized information cards to be distributed across the county highlighting the risks and signposting people to local drugs and alcohol support. (The initiative involves newly created pocket-sized information cards to be distributed across the county highlighting the risks and signposting people to local drugs and alcohol support. )

The information card is being distributed across Somerset to schools, colleges, health centres, custody suites and other public places.

Somerset Council’s Public Health Team worked with Somerset Drugs and Alcohol Service (SDAS) to develop the card and messages with the aim of signposting people to support and raise awareness around the many health issues surrounding alcohol and drug use.

Councillor Graham Oakes, Somerset Council’s lead member for public health, said: “This partnership working approach helps to spread the word about the risks and dangers associated with alcohol and/or drug misuse. Somerset has a wide range of support available for those that are struggling.

“By working with partners such as the police and ambulance service, we are able to get this important message to more people and in turn help save lives.”

Police urge the public to report suspected drink or drug drivers. People who know someone who regularly drives under the influence are urged to call 101.

Call 999 if you suspect somebody is drink or drug driving.