The charity Crimestoppers has seen a record number of reports on drink and drug driving in Cumbria over the last nine months.
The charity received over 130 reports during this period, up 12% on the same period last year. The biggest increase in reports is in regard to drug driving.
Crimestoppers has been running a series of campaigns, in partnership with Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall, to raise awareness of the issue to help make Cumbria’s roads safer and we are launching another campaign throughout March.
The campaign seeks to increase reporting by the public of those who regularly drink and drug drive so that they are banned from driving, making our roads safer for everyone.
Many victims of road traffic collisions are passengers in cars driven by those who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or who are in cars that are hit by intoxicated drivers. Community intelligence given to our charity is vital in keeping our roads safe and catching those who regularly drink and drug drive.
Gary Murray, Regional Manager for the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Whilst we are encouraged to see the rise in reports that we have received from the public, this also means that drink and drug driving is still a major issue in our county. Many innocent lives are being put at risk by a small number of people who choose to break the law.
“Drink and drug drivers put other people’s lives at risk and your information could help prevent a potentially damaging or fatal collision from happening.
“Our campaigns seek to both discourage those who may be thinking of getting behind the wheel and ensure they consider the implications of their actions on themselves, their families, or the families of the potential victims. We are letting them know that people who drink and/or take drugs and then drive are being reported, stopped, tested and banned.
“Everyone has a part to play in making Cumbria’s roads safer.”
“Our charity has been around for over 30 years and we’ve always kept our promise that everyone who contacts us stays 100% anonymous. Always. If you have information, please use our anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call our UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111. Your information helps to protect the people and communities you care about from harm.”
