THERE may be a raging debate over Brexit and whether there will be a ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ border between Derry and Donegal.
But as far as the PSNI and Gardai are concerned, road safety knows NO borders.
PSNI Road Policing in partnership with An Garda Traffic Corp have launched the 2017 cross border drink drive campaign.
It will run from now right through until the New Year.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd explained: “During last year’s winter drink drive operation, we stopped some drivers who were so drunk, they could barely stand when they got out of their vehicle, just beggars belief.
“At the other end of the spectrum, we detected some drivers who had gone out socialising and not intended to drive, but their circumstances changed and they decided to take a risk. A risk which resulted in a driving ban,” he said.
Assistant Chief Constable Todd added: “Nobody should find themselves asking the question, I wonder if I’m ok to drive?
“Or trying to calculate if they are under the drink drive limit, be it after one drink, or the morning after a night out.
“Do not take the risk.
“The consequences, as police officers and our emergency service colleagues witness first hand, can be catastrophic.
“Any driver or motorcyclist who police stop, whether for speeding, using a mobile phone, or committing any moving traffic offence can expect to be breathalysed.
“So too can anyone involved in a collision or who we suspect may have consumed alcohol or taken drugs.
“I want all motorists to think about the consequences to yourself and your family of being involved in a serious collision.
“How would you feel if your actions resulted in you or one of your family being paralysed?
“How would you feel if some innocent person was killed? Consider too the impact of losing your driving license. Would you also lose your job? Your home?
“I am also appealing for all road users and pedestrians to exercise caution and put road safety first.
“With longer hours of darkness and winter weather, road users need to make extra effort to look out for pedestrians and cyclists particularly along rural roads. Pedestrians and cyclists should wear bright clothing, reflective jackets or armbands where possible to ensure they can be seen.
“Our aim with this operation is to keep people safe.
!People need to put as much effort into planning how to get home safely, as they do planning their night out.
“I do not want police officers knocking on doors at any time of the year, but especially over Christmas and the New Year, to tell families that a loved one has been killed on the roads,” added ACC Todd.
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