Throughout the 2024 festive period, and for the year ahead in 2025, Northamptonshire police have launched a campaign to publicly name and shame drivers caught over the legal drug- and drink-drive limit. As part of their crackdown labelled as a ‘hardline approach’, the force is actively sharing details of charged drivers on their website and social media pages.
Officers are carrying out extra patrols, particularly early morning operations, where drivers might be impaired from the previous night.
Since the campaign started on Sunday (December 1) officers have arrested 134 drivers. Of those, 94 were on suspicion of driving while over the prescribed limit for alcohol, 39 while unfit through drugs and 1 on suspicion of drink- and drug-driving.
Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy and Standards at IAM RoadSmart, said: “The fact that so many drivers have been caught multiple times shows the message about the dangers of drug-driving appears not to be getting through.
“We urgently need a new approach to combat drug-driving which focuses on both greater enforcement and establishing rehabilitation courses to reduce reoffending.” To report suspected drink- or drug-driving in confidence, call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency when life is in immediate danger, always call 999.
IAM RoadSmart strongly supports the increase in frequency of random roadside breathalyser testing and additional resources for police forces to enable them to carry this out. Alongside this, more drink-drive rehabilitation courses will be a key part of tackling this issue, given the evidence that shows that those undertaking such courses are two-and-a-half times less likely to reoffend.
IAM RoadSmart is a provider of drink-drive courses, designed to share information and support for convicted drink-drivers, available to those with a conviction by referral from the court. More details can be found here.
Here are some tips you can share with employees to help them make informed decisions, should they decide to head out the night before work:
Do not succumb to peer pressure to drink; stick to your plan if you are driving home, or working the following day. Remember, alcohol inhibits your ability to adjust to bright lights and headlights, judge depth and identify hazards – all crucial for the safe operation of a vehicle.
Being ‘in charge’ of a vehicle extends to having the keys in your possession and is not limited to sitting in the driver’s seat with the engine running. Leave the keys and the vehicle at home – the risk is not worth it.
To avoid being ‘named and shamed’ as part of this campaign, be very careful of the ‘morning after.’ You may still be over the legal limit even if you’ve had good sleep. The way alcohol affects you depends on many factors, including your age, sex, weight, and metabolism.
If you’re a fleet manager, ensuring that your drivers are well informed is an inexpensive, fast way to boost safety. Get in touch to find out how you can further enhance safety and wellbeing in your fleet.
