Posted on: Tuesday 13 December 2022
This week, Gwent Police launched their new DRIVE initiative aimed at identifying people who drink drive over the festive period.
The DRIVE initiative allows people to anonymously report anyone they suspect of driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
It is simple to use – text DRIVE followed by as much detail as possible to 66777 and officers will receive a report they can act on.
Please include as much of the below information as possible:
• location
• time
• vehicle make and model
• driver’s name
• number plate
Inspector Christine James said: “We would like to encourage anybody who suspects that someone is driving under the influence to use this number and report it to us.
“The service is 100 per cent anonymous and can be used by anyone from strangers to concerned friends, and family to prevent other road users being put at risk.
“It’s a quick, easy, and effective way to help keep our roads safe.”
Superintendent Mike Richards said: “While most motorists drive within the law, some people selfishly put others at risk by driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
“Our officers have attended far too many fatal road traffic collisions over the last twelve months, directly caused by people drunk or drug driving.
“It’s unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“We hope that this new, anonymous initiative will encourage people to report those who are risking not only their own lives, but the lives of others by drink or drug driving.”
Please note: you must start your message with ‘DRIVE’ for the information to reach us. Standard network rates apply to text this number.
In an emergency, always dial 999.
Know the limits
Driving under the influence is extremely dangerous and can seriously affect your reaction times.
The legal alcohol limit in Wales and England for driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood - or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
It’s an offence to drive with any of the 17 controlled drugs above a specified level in your blood - this includes illegal and legally prescribed drugs
The biggest risk that you take when driving under the influence is causing a collision because alcohol and drugs can affect your driving in a number of ways. Such as:
• reaction and coordination skills
• impaired vision
• drowsiness
• aggressiveness
• over confidence
• erratic behaviour
Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or taking drugs – it’s never worth the risk.