PSNI launch winter drink drive operation

Police and the Public Prosecution Service in Londonderry have also announced details of a unique pilot initiative, which will see drink drivers being fast tracked to appear in court within days of being detected during the winter operation.

Assistant Chief Constable Alistair Finlay explained: “”I am particularly pleased that we are working in partnership with the Public Prosecution Service in Londonderry to ensure those detected drink driving will be fast tracked through the courts, underlining the seriousness of this stupid and selfish behaviour.

“”This unique initiative will mean that we will be able to take dangerous drivers off the road with near immediate effect, making the roads safer for everyone.“During the winter drink drive operation last year, we detected 364 people who took the risk of killing or injuring themselves, their family, friends and other innocent road users by deciding to drive after drinking,” he said, adding: “This figure was particularly astounding, considering that Northern Ireland experienced the worst weather and driving conditions in living memory during last year’s winter operation.”

“This year, in addition to running targeted operations throughout the day and night, in the weeks leading up to Christmas and into the New Year, to catch drink drivers, the police will again be coordinating road safety operations across the border counties with the An Garda Síochána Traffic Corp.

““During 2010, drivers and riders who were ‘impaired by alcohol’ caused 72 serious collisions. These were collisions in which people were seriously injured, collisions which killed. These crashes are not accidents,” said ACC Finlay.

“”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.

“”I want all motorists to think about the consequences to yourself and your family of being involved in a serious collision. How would you feel if your actions resulted in you or one of your family being paralysed? How would you feel if some innocent person was killed?

“We are particularly concerned that of the last five people to have died on our roads, four have been pedestrians, so we are also issuing an appeal for all pedestrians and road users to exercise caution and put road safety first.

“”I do not want officers knocking on doors at any time of the year, but especially over Christmas and the New Year, to tell families that a loved one has been killed on the roads,” he said.

“”Drink and drive and at best, you are likely to be caught, arrested and brought before the courts. You will almost certainly lose your licence for one or more years, will be fined, and will have great difficulty in obtaining car insurance in the future. You also risk losing your job or going to jail.””