New badges for designated drivers
It’s widely known that drivers who have been drinking are significantly more likely to be involved in collisions than those who are sober.
Data shows an increase in the number of casualties resulting from accidents in Gloucestershire involving alcohol, although this may be partly down to increased testing.
Last year there were 112 accidents involving drink, 42 of which resulted in people being killed or seriously injured. About nine per cent of casualties from all accidents were from drink-related collisions.
It compares to 56 accidents involving alcohol in 2017, 24 of which resulted in people being killed or seriously injured. Five per cent of casualties from all accidents resulted from drink-related collisions six years ago.
Often drivers are keen to do the right thing, but it can be difficult to say no when offered a drink by friends. The temptation can often lead to a driver with good intentions deciding to drink which can often tip them over the limit, which is not only dangerous but illegal.
Cllr Dave Norman, chair of the GRSP, said: “Often drivers have good intentions, but they can be tempted when offered drinks by friends. This can be hard to resist, but it’s very easy to go over the limit. If you’re the designated driver it’s much better not to drink at all. Don’t take the chance and use one of our badges to help make it clear to others that you’re the driver.”
Badges are being offered by Gloucestershire Constabulary through their crime prevention team and through Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s road safety work with education providers and the community. They are also available to pick up from the Constabulary’s neighbourhood engagement vehicles.
Nick Evans, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, said: “We have too many collisions on the county's roads and the Road Safety Partnership is working hard to reduce deaths and serious incidents in Gloucestershire.
“There are lots of steps people can take to make them safer on our roads but avoiding alcohol and any other substances is one of the biggest ways they can stay safer. Not only reducing the likelihood of collisions, but also staying the right side of the law.”
Superintendent Paul Keasey, Director of Specialist Operations at Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: “We welcome any initiative that helps prevent people from drinking and driving and encourages motorists to act responsibly.
“So many people have their lives affected by drink driving, be it because they are injured or lose loved ones through a collision, or are arrested and convicted.
“Having a designated driver who does not drink any alcohol before getting behind the wheel means that everybody gets home safely after a night out and helps to keep the roads of Gloucestershire safe.”