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10/07/2003
Anti-drink drive campaign launched
The PSNI, Department of Environment and the Northern Ireland Probation Board have joined forces today to combat the scourge of drink driving on Ulster's roads this summer.
The police warned that drivers would suffer severe penalties if they were caught behind the wheel of a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Welcoming the launch of the campaign, NIO Minister Angela Smith said: “There has been much emphasis in the media recently about speeding and rightly so. We shouldn’t, though, take our eye off drinking and driving. Consistently over the years our message to drivers during the hot summer months has been never ever drink and drive.
"Thankfully, many have heeded our message. Sadly, there are still those who think they can get away with it. Sadder still, there are those who think they can get away with it again and again."
Paul Doran, Assistant Chief Officer with Probation Board, said: “PBNI believes that agencies and victim groups working together can make a real impact on offenders convicted of drink-driving. Since the pilot scheme commenced in 1998, 600 people have successfully completed the programme throughout Northern Ireland. Research tells us this is a very effective way of protecting the public.”
Superintendent Ian Hamill, Head of the Police Service’s Road Policing Development Branch, added: “Despite all the pressure that there are on police resources over the summer we are determined that the detection of drink drivers will remain a priority. Indeed, in our latest Operation Viper, run over six days, no fewer than 100 drink drivers were detected.
"It is disappointing that there are still people who ignore all the advice and warnings and put their own lives, and more importantly the lives of others, at risk by their shameful actions. We don’t want to spoil anyone’s summer fun but we are simply saying to people ‘If you want to have a drink then don’t drive’.”
Consumption of alcohol or drugs remains the second most common factor after speeding, resulting in deaths or serious injuries.
One third of all pedestrian deaths are due to drinking by pedestrians.
(MB)
The police warned that drivers would suffer severe penalties if they were caught behind the wheel of a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Welcoming the launch of the campaign, NIO Minister Angela Smith said: “There has been much emphasis in the media recently about speeding and rightly so. We shouldn’t, though, take our eye off drinking and driving. Consistently over the years our message to drivers during the hot summer months has been never ever drink and drive.
"Thankfully, many have heeded our message. Sadly, there are still those who think they can get away with it. Sadder still, there are those who think they can get away with it again and again."
Paul Doran, Assistant Chief Officer with Probation Board, said: “PBNI believes that agencies and victim groups working together can make a real impact on offenders convicted of drink-driving. Since the pilot scheme commenced in 1998, 600 people have successfully completed the programme throughout Northern Ireland. Research tells us this is a very effective way of protecting the public.”
Superintendent Ian Hamill, Head of the Police Service’s Road Policing Development Branch, added: “Despite all the pressure that there are on police resources over the summer we are determined that the detection of drink drivers will remain a priority. Indeed, in our latest Operation Viper, run over six days, no fewer than 100 drink drivers were detected.
"It is disappointing that there are still people who ignore all the advice and warnings and put their own lives, and more importantly the lives of others, at risk by their shameful actions. We don’t want to spoil anyone’s summer fun but we are simply saying to people ‘If you want to have a drink then don’t drive’.”
Consumption of alcohol or drugs remains the second most common factor after speeding, resulting in deaths or serious injuries.
One third of all pedestrian deaths are due to drinking by pedestrians.
(MB)
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29 June 2021
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03 December 2013
PSNI Launches Winter Drink Drive Appeal
The PSNI is calling for road users to avoid drinking alcohol over the Christmas period, as it launches its annual winter drink driving appeal.
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04 February 2014
251 Arrested In Winter Drink Drive Campaign
251 motorists were arrested by police during the 2013/14 winter anti-drink drive campaign, according to figures released by the PSNI. The figures show a decrease from 273 during the 2012/13 operation, and include motorists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample.
251 Arrested In Winter Drink Drive Campaign
251 motorists were arrested by police during the 2013/14 winter anti-drink drive campaign, according to figures released by the PSNI. The figures show a decrease from 273 during the 2012/13 operation, and include motorists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample.
23 June 2005
‘Don’t drink and drive’ message reinforced by TV campaign
The PSNI and Department of Environment (DoE) today reinforced their don’t drink and drive message this summer. In a new TV campaign, which begins today and runs until the end of August, highlights the message that drink driving is a year round problem that puts road users at risk of death or serious injury.
‘Don’t drink and drive’ message reinforced by TV campaign
The PSNI and Department of Environment (DoE) today reinforced their don’t drink and drive message this summer. In a new TV campaign, which begins today and runs until the end of August, highlights the message that drink driving is a year round problem that puts road users at risk of death or serious injury.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
