SSRPs ‘WHAT’S THE COST?’ Campaign – December 2022

Throughout December, Sussex Safer Roads Partnership ran an ‘Under The Influence Campaign’ focusing on improving the awareness surrounding the impact of driving under the influence in the lead-up to Christmas. Working with Partners to amplify the messaging, our aim for the campaign was to educate and change road users’ attitudes around road safety during this festive period, and the importance of staying safe, sober and alert on the roads.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous. It impairs your judgement and ability to drive safely. You will be endangering the lives of other drivers and pedestrians, as well as your own if you travel under the influence. It is not possible to say how much alcohol you can drink and stay below the limit. The way alcohol affects you depends on a variety of factors, such as age, weight, metabolism and even stress levels. If driving it is better to have none for the road. No drink is worth the risk to your licence of life.

While the vast majority of people are safe and competent motorists, there is a small minority who still seem prepared to take the risk.

Between 2019 and 2021, 277 people were killed or seriously injured in Sussex due to drink or drug driving. 

Sussex Safer Roads Partnership is committed to improving the safety of all road users and reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured (KSIs) on the roads of Sussex. During the campaign, road users will be encouraged to think about alternative modes of travel during the festive period, such as nominating a designated driver, booking a taxi, or walking home with friends. Motorists are also reminded of the effect of alcohol or drugs the morning after and are encouraged to consider the impact if stopped or involved in a collision whilst over the limit.

Sussex Safer Roads Partnership are committed to reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads; the work of our Casualty Reduction Team provides invaluable opportunities for the public to engage with our mission and learn about the positive steps they can take to keep themselves and others safe on the roads this winter.

By raising awareness of this very serious issue, we hope to discourage people from getting behind the wheel having consumed drink or drugs. Those who do break the law will be dealt with robustly. Your judgement and attitude to risk may be affected and although you may feel ok, if you are found to be over the prescribed limits, you will be charged and you will lose your licence.

It’s often easy to think you’ll be over after a power nap, cup of coffee or greasy food. Don’t risk your life or licence and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to cover up before getting behind the wheel. You could also be over the limit several hours after you’ve stopped drinking and that includes the following morning, so make sure you give it enough time before you drive.

SSRP believes that irrespective of the legal limit, it is never safe to drive with alcohol in your system. The risk of crashing increases well below the legal limit. Driers with a blood alcohol level between 20-50 mg/100ml are three times more likely to be killed in a crash than those who have no alcohol in their blood.

The consequences of drink or drug-driving could include the following:

• Killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else;
• 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 costs;

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

Alternatively, visit the Operation Crackdown website: www.operationcrackdown.org