DON’T be selfish this festive season – don’t drink and drive or drive while under the influence of drugs.
That’s the warning from the police, the fire and rescue service, and the ambulance service. The three emergency services have teamed up to launch Operation Holly, its annual campaign to warn motorists about the risks of getting the behind the wheel while under the influence of drink and drugs.
The crew at Wokingham Road fire station in Earley have created a hard-hitting display designed to turn heads and make people think twice.
It stunts a car being smashed into a tree, showing the aftermath to the vehicle. The three services said the biggest risk of course is causing a collision which puts lives in danger.
A similar display is in place at Wokingham Fire Station in Easthampstead Road.
Operation Holly is led by the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit of Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police. It combines educational and enforcement activity and runs until New Year’s Day.
Last year, 1,123 people were breathalysed with 36 testing positive.
And there were 174 drug wipes with 79 positive results.
In all, 195 people were arrested – 104 for drink driving, 91 for drug driving
Thames Valley Police said that driving while impaired through drink or drugs can increase the chances of people being killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision.
PC Matt Woolams-Seeney, who is based at Three Mile Cross station, said: “Christmas is that time of year when people want to go out, and go to Christmas parties. They can forget about how much they’ve had to drink and then drive under the influence.
“That’s why things like Operation Holly are put into effect, to try and get the message home that it’s totally unacceptable.”
He said that members of the public do report dangerous driving, or they’ve seen someone drinking in a pub or a party who has then gone on to get behind the wheel. This can help officers catch people.
Some people might think that drink or drug driving is a crime they can get away with, but PC Woolams-Seeney said: “In the cold light of day, when they’re not under the influence of alcohol, or drugs, they realise what will happen: they will get charged with drunk driving, and the consequences could see them lose their job, their salary, their licence and livelihood. That’s when it really hits home.
“It’s extremely selfish.”
Michael Greenfield, a community engagement and training officers for South Central Ambulance Service said demand for the services meant they were under pressure, so having to attend a road traffic collision caused by drunk or drug driving could mean they wouldn’t be able to attend another 999 call.
“There’s also the impact (a collision) has on families. Some people are injured, some are seriously injured and some killed.
“You have to think of the impact on your family, the people who are injured, and the responders who have to see some of these horrific scenes we come across, unfortunately, on a year basis.”
He said that the crews receive specialist training to help them cope with such incidents.
“But all the incidents involving drink or drug driving can be avoided. That’s what hursts the most. All the trauma and pain this causes families and the people involved – it could all be avoided if people didn’t drink and drive.”
Darren Barrett is the watch manager at Wokingham Road Fire Station, and helped create the graphic illustration that sits outside it, warning people of the dangers of drink and drug driving.
He said the display started six or seven years ago, and has become an important part of Operation Holly.
“The best way to deal with road traffic collisions is to stop them from happening in the first place. Don’t drink and drive – if you’re out drinking, remove the question of driving from the equation. It is just not worth the risk.
“Book a taxi, catch a bus, or get a lift from a designated driver.”
Anyone who is drink or drug driving can be reported by calling 999 in an emergency, or 101 with information or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
