As the Christmas season begins and celebrations increase across Essex, the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) is releasing a new festive safety message, “Don’t Bet on Drink Driving,” urging people to look after their friends and family, by stopping drink driving before it starts.
Using a bold gambling theme, it shows that driving after drinking is a risky gamble with everything to lose. It highlights a key risk for anyone who relies on their vehicles for work: a drink-driving conviction can mean instant loss of licence, loss of employment, seizure of tools or vehicles, and long-term financial impact.
A supporting part of the SERP’s ambition to deter drink driving over Christmas is Essex Police’s confidential “Help Us Help You” function, which allows the public to discreetly flag concerns about anyone they believe may be considering driving under the influence.
Additionally, bar staff, restaurant teams, and fellow revellers are being asked to spot when someone is about to drink drive. The Report It function gives Essex Police live information, and they can intervene where appropriate. Officers cannot be everywhere, but the public can.
Will Cubbin, Partnership Manager at the SERP, said: “This time of year is all about looking out for one another. Our message is simple: if you think someone you care about is about to drive after drinking, don’t stay silent. Stepping in, or reporting it confidentially, could save a life. It’s not about getting someone in trouble, it’s about keeping them, and everyone else, safe on the roads this Christmas.”
In Essex, the scale of drink and drug driving harm is clear. Since January 2016, the county has recorded 1,503 injury collisions involving drink driving, including 33 fatal crashes and 593 serious injuries, and the Christmas period continues to bring a spike in arrests, with 1,556 in the last year.
Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing, added: “Every December, we see an increase in drink-driving related collisions across Essex, and sadly, the harm that follows. The consequences are devastating, for drivers, passengers, and innocent people on our roads. Essex Police will continue to have a strong presence across the county throughout the festive period, identifying those that choose to drink drive. Drink driving will not be excusable, if you are stopped, you will face the consequences.”
“Don’t Bet on Drink Driving” reinforces one message across the Christmas period: if someone is about to make a dangerous choice, step in. If you can’t, report it quietly. You could save a life.
One message could save a life this Christmas. If you believe some is anyone is about to drink drive call 999.
If you believe someone is about to drive under the influence, you can report a drink or drug driver confidentially, visit:
https://www.essex.police.uk/police-forces/essex-police/areas/essex-police/au/about-us/help-us-help-you/
For more information on “Don’t Bet on Drink Driving”, visit: www.saferessexroads.org/ dont-bet-on-drink-driving
