CHRISTMAS revellers in Liverpool are being asked the stark question of ‘Who’s taking you home?’ in a hard-hitting campaign aiming to stop people drink or drug driving this festive season.
A bus, taxi, police car, ambulance and hearse have lined up on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront on Wednesday 11 December as the public were asked ‘Which vehicle will you be getting into?’
Liverpool City Council has worked in partnership with other Local Authorities and partners across the Liverpool City Region to show the dramatic visual image of the six vehicles illustrating the consequences Christmas revellers face if they take the wrong options.
The hearse was a particularly stark symbol of the impact of drink or drug driving and how it can ruin lives.
Data from the Department for Transport shows the number of people killed in drink-drive collisions reached a 13-year high in 2022. Between 290 and 320 people were killed in drink-drive collisions in 2022, with a central estimate of 300 fatalities. The estimate is the highest since 2009 and represents an increase from 2021 – when there were 260 fatalities.
Cllr Dan Barrington, Liverpool City Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “It’s vital that we promote safety on our roads, particularly at this time of year.
“Christmas sees an increase in social gatherings and the festive atmosphere can sometimes foster a sense of complacency around the risks of impaired driving.
“Additionally, increased traffic volumes coupled with the presence of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, significantly increases the potential for accidents.
“The consequences of drink or drug driving are severe, so public awareness campaigns such as this are crucial in deterring people from driving under the influence.”
Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “We already know that too many people are killed or injured on our roads each year, but one road death is one too many.
“Sadly, many fatal collisions are avoidable, and anybody who chooses to get behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs is selfish. They are not only putting themselves at risk, but are also endangering the lives of other innocent road users and pedestrians.
“The festive season means more parties and social gatherings, so its imperative people act with caution and think about whether they are in the right position to drive. It only takes seconds to ruin a life on our roads and the devastation for the victim’s family lasts a lifetime. Please use public transport, or book a taxi, if you are having a drink.
“I would also appeal to families, friends and colleagues – speak up if you feel your designated driver shouldn’t be getting behind the wheel. We all have a responsibility to look out for one another – it’s this approach that will keep everybody safe and mean we should all make it home to spend a special time with our families.”
Stewart McIver, Roads Policing Chief Inspector, said: “People need to expect to be stopped, breathalysed and drug-wiped in the coming weeks. Please be patient with us while we try to keep you safe. It might be inconvenient to have to be pulled over and delayed, but today is a stark reminder of what the alternative can be.
“There are serious, long-term consequences to drug and drink driving. You can face up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine and a one-year driving ban. You might lose your job. If you do get your license back, your car insurance will potentially treble. You’ll have to live with the shame of what you’ve done for the rest of your life. And that’s just if you haven’t hurt anybody.
“Merseyside Police is relentless in pursuing drink and drug drivers. We buy more drug wipes annually than any other force – and our officers are encouraged to deploy them as standard. Stops are taking place in every area of Merseyside at all times of the day and night. There is no safe place to drink or drug drive.
“If you know someone is driving under the influence report it straight away – for their safety, as well as the safety of others. Call 999 if someone is getting behind the wheel intoxicated.”
Over the past three years there have been 125 collisions within Liverpool that have occurred, at least in part, to drink or drug drive impairment.
76 (61%) of these collisions included alcohol impairment, whilst drug impairment was involved in 49 (39%).
The most prevalent age group of drink and drug impaired drivers is 21-25, these drivers were involved in 22 of the 125 RTCs, equating to 18%.
In terms of gender, males (66%) account for a significantly higher proportion of impaired drivers than females (18%). The genders of the remaining 16% were unknown.
Unknown age and gender will usually be as a result of a driver failing to stop at the scene of a road traffic collision, wherein they have been deemed highly likely to be under the influence of drink and or drugs. In the first three quarters of 2024, 511 drivers have been arrested in Liverpool for drink and or drug driving offences.
