Drivers are being cautioned against letting pub re-opening blind them to dangers.
About a fifth of drink drivers are caught the morning after the night before
As more pubs and bars across Swindon and the rest of Wiltshire prepare to re-open their doors this weekend, the police are reminding motorists not to get behind the wheel to go for an alcoholic drink.
Inspector Mark Freeman of the Road Policing Team said: “Traditionally, summer is a prolific time for drink driving convictions and we are concerned that with more licenced premises opening their doors this weekend, for the first time since the easing of lockdown regulations, that more people will be tempted to drive somewhere to have a drink.
“As one of the Fatal Four causes of death on our roads, drink or drug driving, along with inappropriate speed, not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone when driving, are all easy to avoid. You just need to make the right decisions.
“Our message is perfectly clear. If you take a risk with your life and that of other people by drink or drug driving, you will be caught.”
The force also issued a reminder that nearly one in five people convicted for being over the legal alcohol level are caught the morning after a night out because they do not realise how long alcohol stays in the system.
Penalties - apart from risk to life and limb - include a fine of up to £5000, a minimum 12-month driving ban and a criminal record.
Anybody wishing to report an incident of drink or drug driving should call Wiltshire Police on 101 and select option 2 for the Drink Drive Hotline.
People with information about drink or drug driving can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
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