Mims Davies, MP for Eastleigh, joined Hampshire Police last night on one of their routine road patrols. At this time of year there is a heightened awareness of the impact of road safety as the nights are darker, the weather is harsher and the Christmas party season is in full swing.
Commenting, Mims said:
“This was a real eye-opener of the range of situations that the road policing team face on a daily basis. It is important to make sure that we all take responsibility for both our own and others safety by ensuring that when we’re driving both we and our vehicles are fit to do so.”
“I like to celebrate Christmas as much as the next person however there is never any excuse for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. I encourage everyone to have a great night out but to make plans on how you’re going to get home before you leave, and always be mindful if you had a heavy night partying it will take longer for the alcohol to work out of your system than often people realise. It is important at any point when you get behind the wheel that you are in a suitable condition to be at the controls. ”
Continuing, Mims said:
“During my time out with Hants Police in Southampton a number of drivers were stopped for offences that could so easily have been prevented, such as blown headlights and bald tyres. Having only recently spoken on the devastating effects that a bald tyre can have, I strongly urge my constituents to take the time to get their tyres and headlights checked. You could be saving yourself from an evening spent by the side of the road, as well as somebody’s life!”
“I was very pleased to see in action the relatively new innovation, a ‘drugswipe’ which detects recreational drugs impairment. Back when I worked in road safety testing of this device was being undertaken and it was great to see it being used by our local police force. ”
“I was shocked to see one car being seized by the Hampshire Police because the driver was only on a provisional driving licence and had been doing so, unaccompanied by a qualified driver, for over 15 years. It is absolutely right that local roads police check drivers and cars so that deeply irresponsible behaviour is both deterred and dealt with.”
The Christmas Anti-Drink/Drug Drive Campaign looks to remind drivers that the impact of driving when under the influence can change theirs and others lives forever and often for the worse. The patrol also looks to protect and educate road users by ensuring, for example, that bicycles are appropriately lit, vehicles are roadworthy and drivers are licenced and insured to drive.