DRINK-DRIVING is one crime many otherwise law-abiding citizens will commit this Christmas – and police say your car is a potential weapon when you drink-drive.
Police patrols will be looking out for drivers showing the effects of drinking at night and the morning after in a bid to prevent tragedy on the roads.
PC Chris McCourt, of Dragonhall police station, said extra patrols will take place as part of Operation Arc Angel, a Cheshire Police initiative against alcohol-related crimes.
He said: “The people we catch drink- driving are usually those who wouldn’t dream of committing any other crime, and who are otherwise good citizens.
“One of the problems we have is the morning-after scenario when people think a shower and a coffee will sober them up to drive to work. It isn’t the case.
“You have to use your common sense, if you have been drinking until 2am you can’t get up for work at 7am and drive safely. Don’t take the risk.”
PC McCourt said the consequences of drink-driving are at best a driving ban and, at worst, injury or death.
He added: “You are in a weapon once you get in that car. You have got something that is travelling at speed that can do an awful lot of damage and can kill.
“Passengers have to take responsibility too. Don’t get in the car and call the police.
“I encourage people to grass up anyone they know who is drink-driving regularly because of the huge consequences it can have for them and other people on the roads.
“Licensees like Pat and Carl Cardus do a lot to help us but there are still people in pubs who drink-drive and we need to stop that.”
