Police have launched this year’s drink and drug driving campaign.
South Wales Police will lead the month-long campaign on behalf of the four Welsh police forces.
Last year in Wales, police officers tested a total of 27,744 motorists as part of the campaign, with 545 individuals (2%) returning either positive results or failing/refusing to take the breath test.
South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Lewis said: “Our message to drivers is that the smallest amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely, so the only safe option is to not drink at all.
“It is also important to remember that a drink you enjoy in the evening can leave you over the limit when driving your car the next morning as alcohol stays in the system for many hours after you stop drinking.
“We urge the public to contact the police if they are aware of anyone drinking and driving. That phone call could save a life this Christmas.”
The campaign will see officers across Wales conducting high profile roadside checks and using intelligence to identify offenders 24 hours a day.
The Christmas and New Year initiative comes as just part of the four Welsh forces’ commitment to change attitudes to drink driving, increase road safety and catch offenders all year round.
The chair of Road Safety Wales, Sue Storch, said: “My advice is that if you’re expecting to drink alcohol during the Christmas holiday, plan how to get home without driving. Don’t offer an alcoholic drink to someone you know is planning to drive and don’t accept a lift from a driver you know has drunk alcohol.”
Inspector Lee Ford, of Gwent Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “The key message of this campaign is to be responsible and don’t drink or take drugs before driving. Ensure someone in your group remains sober and acts as designated driver or take public transport so everyone is sure to get home safely.
“People also need to be aware that they could still be over the limit the morning after the night before. You might feel fine, but you could still have alcohol in your system that could impair your driving.
“If you drink alcohol or take drugs before driving, we will catch up with you. We and our partners are determined to make our roads safer and this starts by targeting those who recklessly drink and drug drive.
“We would urge people to call 101 if they have any information about somebody getting behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs – your action could save lives.”