Inform on drink drivers, say police

Although the numbers of drink-driving casualties have fallen steadily over the past three years, they remain constant around the festive period and Humberside Police and the Safer Roads Humber Partnership, supported by the charities Brake and Crimestoppers, are joining forces for a campaign highlighting the dangers.

They say the only safe level of consumption is zero.

Humberside Crimestoppers chairman Frank Duffield said: “Drink and driving wrecks the lives of so many people and statistics show that the occurrence level increases over the festive season.

“Where members of the public believe that people they know are driving under the influence of alcohol, they should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and speak anonymously. We need members of the public to help us reverse this trend, and perhaps save someone’s life.”

The message is being reinforced by Stephen Meara Blount, from Hull, whose brother Tony was killed by a drink driver on the city’s Beverley Road in January 2006, an incident in which he was seriously injured.

He said: “I know first hand how the loss of a loved one in this way severely impacts on family and friends. The last six years have been a huge struggle, recovering from the accident myself whilst trying to come to terms with the needless loss of a much loved brother. It’s impossible to put into words the trauma we have experienced as a family. It will remain with us forever.”

Police will be carrying out extra enforcement activities in a bid to cut the number of offenders. Chief Insp Darren Downs said: “Humberside Police has a zero tolerance towards drink driving. The police will prosecute anyone caught driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol.”