main content Timely reminder - don't drink drive

Shoppers were stunned to see emergency crews rescuing casualties from a crashed car in the middle of Bromley High Street last week. Fortunately, it was a realistic re-enactment to raise awareness of the life-changing consequences drink driving can have. The event was held as part of the Council’s Road Safety teams summer anti drink drive campaign.

“Summer sees a high proportion of drink drive related crashes across the borough, almost as high as at Christmas. It’s tempting in this hot weather to cool off with ‘a couple of drinks’. One large glass of wine, or one pint of lager could be enough to put a driver over the drink drive limit. Road crashes are devastating, not just to those involved but to their families and friends too.” said Angus Culverwell, Principal Road Safety Officer.

The re-enactment was a chance for onlookers to see the stark consequences of drink drive related crashes. Passers by were able to see the type of injuries sustained in a crash and the role of the Police, Fire and Ambulance crews. In this year’s event the ambulance crew had to deal with two trapped casualties. Fire fighters demonstrated how they would cut the roof off in a ‘real’ crash and the Police were called to deal with the driver - who was arrested for being over the drink drive limit.

On average 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured each year in drink drive collisions in the UK. More than half a million breath tests are carried out each year and on average 100,000 are found to be positive. Driving or attempting to drive whilst above the legal limit or unfit through drink carries a maximum penalty of 6 months' imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000 and a minimum 12 months driving ban. An endorsement for a drink-driving offence remains on a driving licence for 11 years.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Facts and figures taken from the Department for Transport website www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk.
• 'Crash victims’ kindly volunteered from the St John Ambulance. 
• The event was supported by the London Safety Camera Partnership (LCSP). The London Safety Camera Partnership is responsible for implementing a comprehensive safety camera programme to reduce speed and red light running road crash casualties in London. 
• For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer, on 020 8313 4738, or Caroline Townsend, Road Safety Officer on 020 8313 4498 or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk.