STAY AWAY FROM THE
FESTIVE SPIRIT IF YOU ARE THINKING OF DRIVING THIS CHRISTMAS
MERSEYSIDE Police Officers are warning drivers not to get behind
the wheel this Christmas after indulging in drink or drugs and risk
starting the New Year in prison or a mortuary. With an
increased number of parties and celebrations in bars, clubs,
restaurants and friends' houses during the festive period there is
traditionally a spike in the number of people prepared to drive
after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Some 502 motorists have been
involved in RTCs this year with 20 of those proving fatal.
Merseyside Police will be cracking down on bad driving, in
particular those who risk their lives and the lives of others by
drink or drug driving, during December in a forcewide enforcement
campaign that will see an increased number of officers out on the
roads targeting those suspected of breaking the law. Officers
will be out in force throughout the month and will be paying
particular attention to considered hot spot areas at night and early
in the morning to target those risking driving the morning after
drinking or taking drugs the night before.
Chief
Inspector John Hogan, head of Roads Policing in Merseyside, said:-
"Despite the obvious dangers of combining driving with alcohol or
drugs, every year there are a number of people who are prepared to
flout the law and continue to drive. It only takes one of these
people to lose control of their vehicle and kill or seriously injure
another person - whether that be a stranger, friend or loved one. My
officers will be out in force this festive period targeting these
reckless individuals who will feel the full force of the law if we
stop them and they are found to be over the legal limit."
Merseyside Police will be naming and shaming on its website those
arrested and subsequently charged with drink or drug driving
offences this Christmas and New Year period. Chf Insp Hogan
added:- "While they represent a small minority of drivers, I
cannot stress enough the danger that these people present to
themselves and other road users.We are dedicated to reducing the
number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads and we
have more officers than ever trained to spot the signs displayed by
drug impaired drivers. We are committed to not just arresting these
drivers but also to educating them. Our officers visit schools and
colleges throughout Merseyside to raise awareness of the issue of
drink and drug driving and we will continue to work with our road
safety partners to provide information on this issue throughout
2013. Our message to drivers is not to drink or take drugs and then
drive - plan your evenings out property, use public transport or
have a designated non-drinking driver. Alcohol affects everyone
differently and can still be in your system many hours after you
have drank. Even the smallest amount of alcohol will affect
your competence behind the wheel, your ability to judge speed and
distance and will slow down your reactions. Anyone whose ability to
drive is judged to be impaired by alcohol or drugs may be arrested
and face the same penalty as a driver who is over the prescribed
limit so I would ask people to consider if the risks are really
worth it."
Last year Merseyside Police saw an increase in the number of people
driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs during its
December drink and drug drive campaign compared to the previous
year. A total of 7,882 drivers were breathalysed by officers
during the last festive period with 192 motorists arrested for being
over the legal limit or failing to provide a specimen - an increase
on the previous year's figures of 7,850 drivers breathalysed and 119
arrested. Out of the 192 motorists over the drink drive limit,
33 were arrested following a road traffic collision with many of
those collisions resulting in injury to themselves, other drivers
and pedestrians. A total of 10 drivers were arrested on Christmas
Day. Officers also stopped a record number of vehicles and
performed the highest amount of breath and drug impairment tests to
date during December. Of the 69 drug impairment tests conducted by
officers 19 arrests were made compared to 33 drivers tested for
impairment in 2010, which led to 12 arrests.
Any
driver involved in a road traffic collision, or who commits any
traffic offence, can expect to be breathalysed and may be required
to perform an impairment test. Should they fail these tests the
penalties can be severe. In next weeks issue find out about
TGR Motorsport's part in the Anti Drink Drive Campaign. |
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Have a Canine
Partners Christmas
WHETHER you are looking for a wonderful selection of Christmas
cards or that unique gift for a loved one, Canine Partners; a
charity that provides specially trained assistance dogs for people
with physical disabilities; is recommending you visit its
online shop. From
calendars to cuddly dog toys, tea towels to travel mugs there is a
vast array of gifts starting from just £1. Their 2012 Christmas card
selection features 18 designs including Snowy Nose, Robin on the
Gate, Christmas Moon and Window Shopping. For those looking for a
long term gift that goes on giving, there is the Adopt a Puppy
Scheme. For just £1 a week your gift recipient will have the
opportunity of following a Canine Partners puppy from its initial
training right through into its partnership with one of our disabled
applicants.
Isabel Campbell, director of fundraising and marketing, comments:-
“We have added to our product range, all of which is available via
our online shop, as it proves a popular way to buy Christmas
presents whilst giving to a good cause. We have a wonderful new
puppy calendar this year illustrated with a selection of photos of
our puppies in training. We also have an I Love Canine Partners
teddy bear, which would make an ideal gift for babies and small
children. We value any support the community can give us in changing
the lives of people with disabilities and you can either buy online
or place your order over the phone. So please let Canine Partners
help with your Christmas shopping in the knowledge that you will be
helping someone with a disability to benefit from one of our dogs.”
Iain Hamill (33) has multiple sclerosis and was the fortunate
recipient of Innie in 2010. Iain comments:- “Innie does a raft
of physical tasks for me including the majority of fetching and
carrying. However, some of the more subtle benefits of having a
canine partner are just as important. After I had to retire due to
my health, I struggled with my sense of purpose. No longer was I the
household breadwinner who went out to work each day, which I found
very difficult. Since Innie came into my life I am not just Iain in
a wheelchair, I am Iain and Innie; which has given me a new sense of
identity."
For further information about how you can support Canine Partners,
including recycling your used stamps, please visit:-
caninepartners.org.uk or call:-
08456 580480.
48 YEAR OLD MURDERED IN AINTREE,
LIVERPOOL
MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives are investigating the murder of
Paula Clinton, aged 48, at 4.45pm, on Wednesday, 28 November 2012
following an incident in Aintree. She was pronounced dead at a scene
in Rubgy Drive and a A 51 year nold local man who was taken to
hospital with neck injuries was arrested on suspicion of murder on
Wednesday, and remains in hospital where his condition is not
thought to be life threatening. A Home Office post mortem was
carried out and has confirmed that Paula Clinton died as a result of
multiple stab wounds. A scene remains in place at Felsted Drive at
its junction with Rugby Drive and forensic enquiries are on-going in
the area alongside house to house enquiries. Detective Chief
Inspector John Roberts said:- "Whilst the motive for this
incident is unclear, at this stage it appears to have been domestic
in nature. I would urge residents in the area, who may have
witnessed this incident or who have any information, to come forward
and make contact with my officers." Anyone who has any
information about this incident is asked to contact:- 0151 777 3011
or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.
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