December 14, 2018 - 1226 views
Following a number of drink/drug driving related arrests in the Colwyn Bay area and elsewhere in Conwy following the launch of this year's Christmas campaign, North Wales Police are helping party go-ers make an informed decision whether they are fit to get back behind the wheel the morning after.
With the party season now in full swing and following the positive feedback the force received last year, the kits have been distributed to staffed police station front counters for collection by members of the public.
The Drivesafe Express disposable breath test kits are a useful ‘indicator only’ device for anybody who wants to check for alcohol levels the morning after a night of drinking. They will give an indication of high alcohol levels, but won’t necessarily mean that someone is ok to drive if they are showing to be under the stated level. Any change of colour on the test indicates the presence of alcohol, meaning that a driver may still have sufficient levels of alcohol that could cause their arrest if stopped.
Inspector Dave Cust of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Research has shown that just one drink can impair someone’s ability to drive and our message is very clear – if you are going to drive, don’t drink any alcohol at all.
“We are not in any way encouraging people to drink and then test themselves immediately. These kits are for use the morning after and will give an indication if any alcohol is detected in their system.
“Due to the overwhelming positive response we received last year when we first purchased the kits we decided to offer them again this year. Many told us it stopped them from driving the morning after having indicated that alcohol was still present.
“From our point of view if these kits prevent one person from taking a risk the morning after then they’ve done their job.”
The free kits are available locally at the following Police Station front counters:
Colwyn Bay (Rhiw Road): Mondays from 9am – 1pm and 3pm – 6pm
Llandudno: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9am – 1pm and 3pm – 6pm
Rhyl: Mondays to Saturdays 8:30am – 7pm and Sundays 9am – 6pm
Inspector Cust added: “Despite our repeated warnings it is disappointing that a minority continue to ignore our messages.
“Our #ChooseWisely campaign is heavily focussed on asking people to make the right choice, so we will continue to use social media to drive home the messages that drink and drug driving can have devastating consequences.
“We are fully committed to making the roads safer for all and we will continue to target those who endanger their own lives and the lives of others.”
