News

It's a fact, one in six fatal accidents are caused by alcohol-related factors.

Drink twice the alcohol limit, you are 50 times more likely to have an accident.

Grim statistics - and police are working hard to get the drink/drive message across.

So don't be surprised if your vehicle is pulled over in random, high-visibility road check.

If officers suspect a driver has been drinking, they carry out a breath test, and check the driver's responses. Similar checks are also made if drugs use is suspected, specialist officers are trained to carry out Field Impairment Tests (F.I.T) to detect driver impairment.

PC Ian Clark, Roads Policing Officer for South Kent says: "One in five young drivers, aged between 17-24, readily admit to having used drugs and driving.

"Whilst drink driving is the most recognised form of driver impairment, driving after taking illegal drugs is also just as dangerous.

"It is clearly not safe to drive after taking drugs, as they will affect a driver's behaviour, perception, and ability to control a vehicle safely. This can be the same with some medicinal drugs.

"We will be visiting pubs, clubs and town centres reminding people against excessive drinking - or drugs use - to keep our roads safer.

"Both drink driving and drug driving carry the same penalties in court. If you are going out in a group, designate a driver who will not drink alcohol, or make alternative arrangements to get home, such as a train or taxi. Do not get into a vehicle with someone who has been drinking or taking drugs."

Kent Police is supporting this year's Winter Drink and Drug Driving enforcement campaign running between 1st December and 1st January 2009.