Crackdown on drink and drug drivers

Cheshire Police is cracking down on those driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs as part of a week-long enforcement operation.

The Constabulary will be supporting the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) annual drink and drug drive operation, Op Limit, reminding drivers of the dangers and consequences of driving whilst impaired.

This week, 21 – 28 August, there will be an increased focus in officers out on the roads proactively engaging with the public during their patrols and ensuring that motorists are not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including medicinal drugs.

Officers will use a range of tactics to catch drivers who selfishly choose to drink or take drugs and then get behind a wheel or get on a motorbike, putting themselves and other road users at risk.

Length of time alcohol and drugs stay in the system:

The limits set for each drug are different, and for illegal drugs the limits set are extremely low – but have been set at a level to rule out any accidental exposure (for example, through passive smoking).

If someone has taken drugs over the weekend and they think they feel fine, chances are high that they will still be over the limit and the drugs will still be in their system come Monday morning.

Officers can test for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside, and screen for other drugs – including ecstasy, LSD, ketamine and heroin at a police station. Even if you pass the roadside check, you may still be arrested if the police suspect that your driving is impaired by drugs and you can be taken to a police station for further tests.

Each person is different, and the way in which alcohol can affect someone depends on; weight, age, sex, metabolism, the type and amount of alcohol consumed, what they have eaten beforehand, any medication taken and even the person’s stress levels at the time.

The police can stop motorists at any time and may ask them to take a breath test, if the person refuses, or fails to supply a sample of breath and doesn’t have a ‘reasonable excuse’, they can be arrested.

The penalties for drink and drug driving:

Anyone convicted of drink or drug driving could face; a minimum of 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, an unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison and an endorsement on your driving licence for up to 11 years. The maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs is life in prison.

Further consequences of a drink or drug drive conviction can include; job loss, loss of independence, the shame of having a criminal record, an increase in insurance costs and trouble getting into countries, like the USA.