People across Hounslow are being encouraged to take responsibility for their actions during this festive period by not driving under the influence of alcohol and to stop friends drinking and taking to the roads.
Published: Wednesday, 23rd November 2022
People across Hounslow are being encouraged to take responsibility for their actions during this festive period by not driving under the influence of alcohol and to stop friends drinking and taking to the roads.
As part of this, the Council is supporting the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Think! campaign to encourage young men to step forward and intervene to stop friends drinking before driving.
Evidence from Think! has found that men 17-24 years old are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured on the roads than male drivers aged 25 or over, making them an extremely high-risk group. Whilst there has been a long-term reduction in drink driving since 1979, there are still around 1,600 alcohol-related deaths and serious injuries on the roads in Britain every year according to DfT figures.
There are some important preventative steps people can take this Christmas to stay safe and keep others from harm too.
It’s a good idea to plan ahead before a night out. If planning to drink, then keep some money aside for a taxi home or nominate a driver in the group who will not drink at all. Also remember that alcoholic drinks can stay in a person’s metabolism the morning after a night out. It is just not worth the risk of driving a vehicle. There is no safe amount of alcohol to have when driving, so if planning to have an alcoholic drink, make alternative arrangements to get home.
Those caught risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban if they are caught driving whilst above the legal limit. Anyone who causes a death while drink or drug-driving faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment. You don't have to be caught in a moving car to be hit with a penalty - a motorist caught sitting or sleeping in a car while intoxicated and with keys in the ignition could be hit with a £2,500 fine, up to three months in prison and a possible driving ban.
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council and Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport Strategy said:
“Although we are all excited to safely spend the festive period with our friends and family this year, the message is clear – if you’ve had an alcoholic drink don’t drive. The results could be life changing for you, your passengers and other road users around you.
“If you are out and about this Christmas, assign a designated driver, book a taxi or use public transport to get home. We want to continue to emphasise this message and make drink driving socially unacceptable no matter what age you are.”
