The latest National Police Chiefs’ Council road safety campaign has launched, as does Sussex Safer Roads Partnership’s support to reduce drug driving and make Sussex roads safer for all users.
Over the next fortnight, Sussex Safer Roads Partnership (SSRP) are focusing on making sure that road users don’t take unnecessary risks by driving behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.
Sharing important road safety messaging and advice, SSRP will be engaging with the public on the risks of driving whilst under the influence, along with reminding road users of the penalties if caught doing so.
Drink and drug-driving is one of the five most common contributing factors to collisions resulting in people being killed or serious injured (KSIs) on our roads. SSRP along with colleagues at Sussex Police are committed to reducing casualties through education, engagement, engineering, and enforcement.
It’s illegal to drive if you’re unfit to do so because you’re on legal or illegal drugs, or you have certain levels of illegal drugs in your blood (even if they have not affected your driving).
There is no one way that drugs, either illegal or medicinal, affect the body. The exact effect they will have depends on the substance, but can include impairment of awareness, judgement, and reaction times, putting the user and other road users in danger. If you’re taking prescribed medication and are not sure if you should drive, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.
SSRP’s message is simple: we want the public to be aware and informed of the risks to driving under the influence, and to make the right choice; have #NoneForTheRoad and travel responsibly this summer.
The consequences of drink or drug-driving could include the following:
- A minimum 12 month ban
- An unlimited fine
- A possible prison sentence
- A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment
- An increase in your car insurance
- Trouble travelling to countries such as the USA
- You could also kill or seriously injure yourself or someone else
To find out more about the campaign follow SSRP on Twitter @SussexSRP
