Garrison targeted in World Cup crackdown on drink-driving

More than 8,500 soldiers stationed at Catterick Garrison are being given a stark warning about the dangers of drink-driving as part of the county-wide campaign which has been launched to prevent scores of deaths and serious injuries in road accidents linked to alcohol.

The operation has been launched after official figures revealed that 287 people have been killed or seriously injured in North Yorkshire during the last five years as a result of drink-driving.

Representatives from both the police and Army have admitted that troops could be tempted to drive while over the legal limit while they are out watching the World Cup, and efforts are under way to persuade football fans to designate a specific driver who will stick to non-alcoholic drinks.

Cpl Cliff Ealand, of the Royal Logistic Corps, said: "There's a massive amount of interest in the World Cup on the Garrison as you would imagine, and we're determined to make sure no-one thinks it's an excuse for drinking and driving.

"We have always had a tough approach to drinking and driving, it simply is not tolerated, and we're keen to back the campaign and encourage people to make sure if they are drinking, they're not driving.

"The Army is like one big family and the really crucial thing is to emphasise to everyone that the dangers are too great, it's not just a question of someone losing their licence, it could mean their job, their family, their life.

"The penalties are high and we will do all we can to ensure people stay safe, not only during the World Cup but after."

Despite repeated warnings over the dangers of drink-driving, there was a slight increase in positive breath tests carried out by North Yorkshire Police officers in June last year when compared to the same month in 2008.

Research conducted nationally has shown that young men are most likely to be under the influence of alcohol while behind the wheel.

Statistics have revealed that although drivers aged between 17 and 25 make up a small proportion of the motoring population, they are responsible for a large number of accidents.

Road safety officials have warned that a conviction of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs carries a sentence of up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine and a minimum two-year driving ban.

Drivers who are caught over the limit will be given a minimum 12-month ban and up to a 5,000 fine.

North Yorkshire County Council's executive member for road safety, Coun John Fort, said: "Getting the army on board in the campaign is a real boost. This really is a message we want to spread across the whole county.

"Officers and staff at Catterick Garrison have always been very supportive of the road safety campaigns. We want people to enjoy the World Cup but we have to emphasise the dangers of drinking and driving.

"The problem is alcohol can make people over-confident, so they forget all the warnings and believe they'll be all right to drive – but they won't be. It can lead to catastrophic consequences for themselves and other people."

This summer's drink-drive crackdown is being overseen by officials from 95 Alive, the county's road safety partnership, who have joined forces with 400 Troop Royal Logistic Corps at the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick Garrison.

The county council's road safety officers and the Richmondshire Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership are also involved in the campaign.