Fermanagh and Omagh PSCP highlights the dangers of drink-driving through a new summer drink-driving campaign.

10th July 2018

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Fermanagh and Omagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership, in conjunction with Drink Wise Age Well, has just launched a summer drink-driving campaign locally.

Speaking at the launch, Councillor Allan Rainey MBE, Chairman of the Fermanagh and Omagh PCSP said, “Road Safety remains a number one priority for the PCSP locally.  The message on drinking and driving during the summer months needs to be stressed as there is an increased risk of drink driving at summer events where alcohol is consumed in large quantities.  The risks from Drink Driving are as important during the summer months as they are over the winter.

No person should suffer the tragedy of losing someone as a result of drunk, drugged, or distracted driving, but for far too long now the danger of impaired driving has robbed people of the comfort of knowing that when they or a loved one leaves home they will return safely. Impaired driving puts drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk, and each year it claims the lives of many people.

Continuing on the theme, Councillor Rainey said “the PSNI will be rigorously enforcing Drink Driving laws over the summer months and we would advise everyone not to drink and drive.”

PSNI Inspector Rory Hoy said, “Our work continues year in year out to keep our roads safe. We shouldn’t be detecting anyone drink driving. We all know the dangers. No one should think it is acceptable to drive under the influence of drink or drugs. And everyone should be aware of the consequences of driving the ‘morning after.

It’s disappointing that despite our warnings, there are still people who completely disregard the safety of themselves and others by continuing this shameful and incredibly dangerous practice. Just one drink can impair ability to drive.

Many also risk losing their jobs or going to jail. The alternative consequences had they not been caught do not bear thinking about. Each one of these drink-drive detections has potentially saved lives”.

Inspector Hoy added “Police will continue to detect people who insist on driving after having taken drugs or alcohol. We are again appealing for all motorists to consider the consequences of their actions. Just do not take the risk of having even one drink if you are driving. The consequences, as police officers and our emergency service colleagues witness first hand, can be catastrophic.”

Officers from the PCSP along representatives from the Drink Wise Age Well partnership will be at Omagh Livestock Mart on Monday 16 July and at Erneside Shopping Centre in Enniskillen on Tuesday 17 July to highlight the dangers of drink-driving.