November 23, 2023 - 530 views
With the festive season upon us, Crimestoppers are reminding people in Wales that drink and drug drivers are putting people at risk and that anonymous information the charity receives could help save lives.
From January to September this year, Crimestoppers received over 34,000 reports about people who regularly drive while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, an increase of almost 25 per cent compared to the year before. And during peak times, the charity receives over 100 drink and drug driving reports a day.
Crimestoppers – which is independent of the police – gives people an option of passing on what they know about crime whilst staying completely anonymous. This means when you contact the charity, they never ask for or store your personal contact details.
Whilst Crimestoppers works with the police by passing on vital crime information it receives, they pride themselves on their standalone charity status.
Just under half of drug driving offences are committed by a reoffender and latest figures show that convictions for driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs have increased by 40% since 2014.
Hayley Fry, Wales National Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Every crash has an impact, and many of the victims of road traffic collisions are passengers in cars driven by those who are under the influence of drugs or over the alcohol limit, or are in cars that are hit by impaired drivers.
“Information Crimestoppers receives about people who regularly drink and drug drive can really make a difference. We know it can be hard to speak up about crime, and even more difficult if it’s about someone you know. Being able to give information with no comeback is so worthwhile, as it helps the authorities tackle life-threatening behaviours, such as driving whilst intoxicated.
“Our charity knows of stories where someone has made the wrong decision to get behind the wheel whilst over the limit or on drugs, and then fatal consequences have been the result. Many of those drivers regret their behaviour, but by then it’s too late.
The damage is done and they have to face the consequences of their actions. If you are a drink or drug driver, I’m also speaking to you directly and asking you to seek help and not to take the risk of putting your own and others’ lives in danger.
“Visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call our UK Contact Centre at any time on 0800 555 111 to report 100% anonymously what you know. It can save lives and will make our roads safer for everyone.”
