The emergency services have come together to launch a joint campaign to tackle drink-driving in the island, ahead of the Christmas period.
Spearheaded by the States of Jersey Police and launched on 25 November, the annual campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of drink-driving, and reduce the number of Islanders who choose to take the risk of doing so.
A staged road traffic collision (RTC) was held for media on 24 November, and included all emergency services playing their part; States of Jersey Police (SoJP), Jersey Fire and Rescue Service (JFRS) and the States of Jersey Ambulance Service. A person who has been convicted of drink-driving has also shared their experience of the decision they made and the devastating impact it had on their life.
The campaign uses the strapline #NoneForTheRoad and the policing operation will see extra patrols across the island during December, to tackle drivers who have been drinking and risk driving either that same day, or the morning after.
Over the last three years, figures show that there has been an increase in the level of arrests and convictions for drink-driving in Jersey. Between January and November of 2020, there were 143 cases of drink-driving recorded.
The highest recorded figure for alcohol levels was in January 2020; a driver was found to have 104mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. The legal driving limit is 80mg per 100ml.
Inspector Cathy Davison, Roads Policing lead said: ‘The annual drink-drive campaign in the lead up to Christmas is always an important one; we want to highlight the devastating impact making that decision can have on lives.
‘This year, the festive period will look a little different because of Covid restrictions; we’re preparing for the fact this may mean more Islanders take the risk of drink-driving especially if they aren’t in town with easy access to taxi ranks.
‘Attending an RTC can be one of the hardest tasks in policing, but also for the other emergency services; scenes can be devastating and innocent bystanders can often be impacted.
‘Driving after having any alcohol involves a risk, and that’s why we are promoting #NoneForTheRoad to encourage Islanders to really consider the impact it can have, and not make that selfish decision.’
