“Not even one – because just one drink can kill,” is the key message from police as this year’s winter drink drive operation got underway today.
Dale Ashford, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, NIFRS, Chief Superintendent Pauline Shields, District Commander for F District PSNI and Chief Superintendent David Moore, Head of Operational Support Department PSNI.
Specialist officers from the Road and Armed Support Branch, Tactical Support Group and District Policing were joined by Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service colleagues at the launch.
Head of Operational Support Department, Superintendent David Moore explained, “During the winter drink drive operation last year, we detected 273 people who took the risk of killing or injuring themselves, their family, friends and other innocent road users by deciding to drive after drinking.
“This figure was particularly disappointing, but considering that some of these people were so drunk, they could barely stand up, it just beggars belief that some people still insist on attempting to drive after drinking.”
In addition, to running targeted operations to catch drink drivers throughout the day and night, in the weeks leading up to Christmas and into the New Year, police will again co-ordinate road safety operations across the border counties from An Garda Síochána Traffic Corp.
Superintendent Moore continued: “If you find yourself asking the question, I wonder if I’m ok to drive? Or if you find yourself trying to calculate if you are under the drink drive limit, whether that’s after one drink, or the morning after a night out, just don’t take the risk. The consequences could be catastrophic.
“People don’t accidentally have a beer or glass of wine, they make a conscious decision. It only takes one drink to impair your decision making ability. The only right decision is to leave the car or motorbike at home if you’re drinking.”
Supt Moore concluded: “I want all motorists to think about the consequences to yourself and your family of being involved in a serious collision.”
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