With the festive season approaching, the independent charity Crimestoppers is asking people across the North East of England to speak up anonymously about drink and drug drive on a regular basis, putting lives at risk on our roads.
In the last year, the charity received over 55,000 reports from the public about individuals regularly driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which is an increase of over 22% on the previous year.
On average, Crimestoppers receives 150 reports every single day about drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These are passed on to law enforcement to investigate.
Among drivers who die in crashes, those aged 20–29 are most affected and often test positive for cocaine and cannabis.
Driving while impaired has a terrible effect on communities and destroys lives.
Crimestoppers, which is independent of the police, offers a safe and completely anonymous way to share information about crime with no comeback. The charity never asks for or stores your personal details and calls or the online form can ever be traced.
To pass on what you know anonymously, please complete an online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call the charity’s UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.
Fleur Brown, North East Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers said: “Driving under the influence is not only a bad decision – it’s a devastating one. Every year we see families torn apart because someone chose to get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.
“Our charity is asking people to make safety your gift this festive season.
“If you know someone who regularly drink or drug drives, please tell our charity. You will stay 100% anonymous. Always. Your information could help stop another family being torn apart”.
Joy Allen, Durham Police & Crimes Commissioner said: “I am determined to reduce alcohol-related harm on the roads due to the actions of dangerous and irresponsible drivers. That’s why I support the calls to lower the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers which is a factor in so many serious road collisions.
Many people don’t realise that alcohol affects everyone differently. Factors such as height, gender, weight and even what you’ve eaten that day can all play a part in how your body processes alcohol.
“For safety, it’s wise not to even think of risking driving if you’ve had a drink.”
Matt Storey, Cleveland Police & Crime Commissioner said: “With so many other ways to get home, there is absolutely no excuse to get behind the wheel of your vehicle under the influence of drink or drugs. It is ultimately a selfish act, with complete disregard for the safety of pedestrians or other road users.
“Crimestoppers is a great way to anonymously tell police about someone you know who drives whilst drunk or on drugs. Please do it before more innocent people are hurt.”
Please note: No-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers. With Fearless.org and Crimestoppers-uk.org, computer IP addresses are never traced. For telephone calls to the independent charity’s UK Contact Centre, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility. You will stay 100% anonymous. Always.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
