In the know

Don’t let one drink drive your Christmas off course

As we head into the festive season, many of us will be catching up with friends, celebrating at work events, or simply enjoying a well-earned break. It’s a special time of year, and although we want everyone to enjoy in the merriment, we all still have a part to play in keeping our roads safe. 

This December, Surrey Police is taking part in Operation Limit, a national campaign aimed at tackling drink and drug driving. Throughout December, officers from our Roads Policing Unit (RPU) and local policing teams will be carrying out increased patrols, targeted stops and roadside checks across the county.  

Sadly, drink and drug driving continues to be one of the leading causes of people being seriously injured or killed on our roads. Around the festive period, this risk increases. Many drivers still believe they’re “fine to drive” after a couple of drinks, or don’t consider the effects of alcohol the morning after. There’s no reliable way to know how much you can drink and still be under the limit.  It depends on things like your weight, age, metabolism, what you ate, and everyone processes alcohol differently.  

We want you to enjoy your celebrations – safely. When someone drives whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it puts everyone using the road networks at risk: other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who are simply trying to get home to their loved ones this festive season.  

Last December as part of Op Limit, Surrey Police stopped over 8,000 vehicles to check for those making potentially dangerous decisions. Over 200 arrests were made. With your support, we hope this year will be even safer. 

We appreciate that living in Surrey, many live in rural areas where public transport doesn’t run regularly and isn’t always an option when heading home after a night out. However, getting behind the wheel after a drink isn't an option, and it can be far more costly than a taxi fare. Please consider taking simple steps such as walking home from a venue, pre-booking a taxi, or nominating a designated driver. This will help you enjoy the celebrations without worrying about how you’ll get home – and might even keep you off Santa’s naughty list. 

During the festive season, by the simple law of averages, you may come across someone who might be thinking about driving after drinking or taking drugs, and it could be a friend, a colleague or even a family member. If you find yourself in that situation, we ask that you do what you can to encourage them to make a safer choice. That could be helping them arrange a lift or taxi, suggesting they stay over, or simply reminding them of the risks - not just to themselves, but to the people they share the road with. 

If all these options fail and you know that someone is getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, call 999 immediately. Your intervention could save a life. 
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org 

The consequences of drink or drug driving could include: 

The impact doesn’t end with one moment — it can follow someone forever. 

By looking out for one another, planning ahead and challenging unsafe decisions, we can all help keep Surrey’s roads safe this holiday season. To learn more about our advice and information around drink and drug driving you can visit our website. 

Thank you for continuing to work with us and for caring about your community.  

Stay safe, enjoy the season, and look out for each other.