Would you report a drink driver this Christmas?

That is the question being asked this year as part of the national crackdown on drink driving.

A major new campaign urges the public to help “prevent, persuade and call the police” on drink drivers this winter.

Latest survey figures show:

• 81% of Brits (88% in Sussex and Surrey) say drink drivers should be reported to the police… but less than half would actually do it in practice
• 36% of men and 46% of women say they’d take a drink driver’s car keys off them.
• Only 2% say they wouldn’t try to stop a friend from drink driving

The new campaign, called ‘Drink Driving – Together We Can Stop It’, appeals to the public’s sense of shared responsibility to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. It is calling on members of the public and friends of drink drivers to prevent, persuade and – as a last resort- report drink driving to police this Christmas.

Until 1 January, Surrey and Sussex police will have resources dedicated to preventing and detecting incidents of drink and drug-driving. This is in addition to the routine roads policing work carried out 365 days a year.

In the December 2021 campaign, a total of 174 arrests were made on suspicion of drink and drug driving by Surrey police.

Superintendent Rachel Glenton, from Surrey and Sussex Roads policing, said:

“Drink and drug-driving really does destroy lives and is something we see far too much on Surrey roads. Most people are safe and conscientious motorists, but despite knowing the risks, there is still a small number of people who are not only willing risking their own lives but the lives of others.

“Remember even a small amount of alcohol or substances can massively impair your ability to drive safely and you could also be over the limit several hours after you’ve stopped drinking, so make sure you give it enough time before you drive. Drugs stay in your system far longer.

“If you are going out, look after yourself and friends, arrange alternative and safe ways home”

If you know someone who is driving whilst over the limit or after taking drugs. Call 999.