Ascension : Police Report
Submitted by The Islander (Police Ascension) 26.11.2009 (Article Archived on 10.12.2009)

From 1 December 2009 until 3 January 2010, the Island Police Detachment will be running a Festive Drink Driving Campaign.

POLICE  REPORT

THE EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR THE POLICE IS: 6666

This number is staffed 24/7 if it is a genuine emergency please use it.

Just because there is not a Police Officer in the Police Station it does not mean there are no officers on duty.

FESTIVE DRINK DRIVE CAMPAIGN

From 1 December 2009 until 3 January 2010, the Island Police Detachment will be running a Festive Drink Driving Campaign. In line with the similar campaigns, the island officers will be paying particular attention to all vehicles being driven during this period. Any driver who commits a moving traffic offence, (no matter how trivial) involved in a road accident or who is suspected of driving with alcohol in their body, will be required to provide a roadside breath test. As a driver you can expect to be stopped if you fall within the above criteria. 

The penalties for driving whilst over the permitted limit, or whilst unfit due to drugs or alcohol, can be severe, so please think very carefully about planning your social activities. If you intend to go out in a group, then nominate a driver who is prepared to consume soft drinks for the evening. If you intend to consume an alcoholic drink and drive home later, think very carefully about how much you intend to drink and over what timescale. It is very difficult to calculate your own personal alcohol tolerance level. However if you would like advice on this matter please speak with the undersigned, who will be happy to explain how this is worked out. I’m certain that when you grasp just how complicated this is you begin to appreciate that the expression ‘your o.k. after 2 or 3 bottles of beer’ has no foundation in fact. You are simply better off not drinking at all.

People tend to drink more during the holiday season, it is for this reason and years of research carried out in other countries, that the Festive Drink Driving Campaign will run this year and will continue to do so in the future. Please drive safely, responsibly and do not start the New Year with a period of disqualification and a heavy fine.

Just to recap on the recent articles published in the Islander.  Why do people drink and drive, is it because it’s cheaper to take your own car and don’t wont to bother someone else?  It is never a good idea to drive after you’ve had alcohol. Even if you think one wont hurt, you could still be over the limit.  Alcohol is a depressant so it slows down the brain and body’s reaction. It can affect balance and give you blurred vision, not to mention the hangover that could follow.

You‘ve had hours of driving lessons and just one drink too many could ruin it all. Is it really worth it? 

If your are planning a night out, decide who’s going to drive and make sure they don’t drink any alcohol. Whatever you do, don’t get in a car with someone who has been drinking.

The drink drive banner will be on display for a week in each of the clubs around the island. 

Peter McMullen

Police Constable