Drink Driving Warning

Published on 15 December 2010

A Christmas drink driving warning from Tony Ellis Epping Forest Crime Reduction Officer.

"Once again, Christmas and the New Year are nearly upon us. The season comes with various traditions including the traditional crime trends. It would be encouraging to say that we learn lessons from the tragedies of previous years but that is clearly not always the case.

At this time of year, I make no apologies for resurrecting the subject of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Undoubtedly, this one issue will have the greatest impact in devastating the celebrations of many families over the festive season.

I’m not going to go on about drinking and driving. If you haven’t got the message by now there is no point in me repeating it. What I would like to warn you about is becoming the passenger of a drunk or drugged driver.

We all know that it is dangerous to drink and drive. We are also aware and fearful of the consequences should we be caught. So we often believe that, provided we are not drinking and driving, we are behaving responsibly and safely. In so many cases, people are happy to get into somebody else’s car without even questioning whether they are fit to drive. When you have to get home from a party the required safety level seems to be reduced to “providing it’s not me taking the chance of being caught by the police, that’s O.K.” We often lose sight of the fact that the ultimate penalty for travelling in a car driven by a person under the influence isn’t a driving ban, it isn’t a fine or penalty points on your licence ... it’s death!

If you get yourself killed by travelling with a drunken driver, it won’t spoil your Christmas. But can you imagine the effect it will have on your wife, husband, mum or dad when the police officer calls at your home and asks them to sit down calmly while they explain that they no longer have a partner, son or daughter? I have had to deliver that message several times but I still can’t imagine the pain it must bring.

Young men and women are particularly vulnerable. It’s the time of year for partying and having a great time. Going home is the last thing on their minds. They only worry about that when the time comes. But by then, it’s often too late. The options are too limited.

So Mum and Dad, do yourself a big favour. Ask your kids how they are going to get home from the club or party this Christmas and New Year. Make sure they make safe arrangements before they go out. With a little bit of forward planning you could avoid the chilling knock from a police officer on your front door this Christmas."

For more information:

• Essex Police Christmas anti-drink drive campaign

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