Posted on 2nd Dec
An interactive campaign educating people of the risks and impacts of drink and drug driving is widening its reach across Nottinghamshire.
A Nottinghamshire Police roadshow will be taking place in Mansfield, on Saturday, 7th December, from 5pm to 7pm, and in Newark on Saturday 21st, also from 5pm to 7pm, when members of the public can take part in sobriety tests, including being challenged to try on a pair of ‘beer googles’ and walk in a straight line, simulating how alcohol or drugs can impair your reactions.
Officers will also be using non-evidential breath tests at the events, so people can gain first-hand experience of being tested and get an indication of how much alcohol they have in their system.
Facts and figures will again be shared, aiming to change people’s attitudes towards drink and drug driving and encouraging them to have ‘none for the road.’
Sgt James Carrington, of Nottinghamshire Police’s road policing unit, said: “We positively engaged with more than 500 people who attended our interactive ‘A Deadly Mix’ roadshows held last December in Nottingham city centre and Mansfield.
“We received some really positive feedback about our events last year, showing people how seriously we take this issue and really opening their eyes to the dangers and consequences of drink and drug driving through our engagement and educational activities.
“Now, based on analytical data highlighting hotspot locations of fatal and serious injury collisions, where drink or drugs was a contributory factor, we’re expanding the roadshows.
“As well as holding engagement activities, our road policing officers will be actively patrolling in collision hotspot areas and carrying out roadside tests with every person they engage with. Every driver involved in a road traffic collision will also be breath tested.
“In support of our campaign to cut the number of people killed or seriously injured due to drink or drug driving in Nottingham, we are also working closely with partners, including pubs and licensing teams in the city and county, to help spread our message and educate road users.
“Our message to those who choose to drive whilst impaired through drink or drugs is this: you are not only risking your own life and future, but also the lives of innocent people. Is it really worth it?”
