What’s the cost of your night out? SSRP support Christmas ‘Under the Influence’ campaign

Sussex Safer Roads Partnership are campaigning to ensure road users think of a safe and legal way to travel during festive celebrations.

Throughout December, SSRP will be working with Sussex Police to prevent and detect incidents of drink and/or drug driving, providing motorists with thought provoking information on the risk and  impact of driving whilst under the influence.

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 2018 and 2020, 290 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.

Casualty Reduction Officers will proactively patrol areas of greatest risk of collisions or incidents, alongside pop-up events across the county giving the public the chance to speak with the Partnership around all themes of road safety. Educational resources will be on hand for motorists to learn about the importance of a safe and legal journey.

Casualty Reduction Sergeant Richard Hornsey, of Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, advised of the importance of such a campaign: ” The consequences of drink and/or drug driving are far reaching. Consuming any amount of alcohol or drugs, legal or otherwise, can impair your ability to drive safely and also increase the risk of seriously injuring or killing yourself or someone else.

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. It’s also important to add that drink and drug intake affects different people in different ways. This can depend on your gender, height, weight, and even stress levels, for example.

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.

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.”  

You can find out more about the impact of alcohol on your system via the SSRP Under the Influence calculator

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, you can text Sussex Police on 65999 with the details of people you suspect of drink or drug-driving. Alternatively, visit the Operation Crackdown website: www.operationcrackdown.org