With drink and drug driving increasing in the UK, especially over the festive season, Crimestoppers is reminding the public across Somerset that information given to them anonymously could save lives.
In 2023, the charity received over 45,000 reports about people who regularly drive while under the influence of alcohol and or drugs. This is almost a 20% increase from the previous year. And on average, they receive 120 reports every day. Crimestoppers – which is independent of the police – gives people a vital alternative to anonymously pass on what they know about a crime. This means when you contact Crimestoppers, they never ask for, or store your personal details. In a new campaign, the charity warns that driving when under the influence kills and devastates lives. Recent government data shows that between 290 and 320 people die annually in vehicle collisions involving drivers over the legal alcohol limit in the UK. *
Drink-driving incidents account for 17% of all road deaths, and the number of such collisions is now at its highest level in 15 years. *
Please note:
When you contact Crimestoppers, computer IP addresses are never traced, and no-one will ever know you contacted the charity. For telephone calls, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced. In an emergency, always call 999.
Karen Macdonald, Regional Manager (South West) at the charity Crimestoppers, said:
“We know that those under the influence of drink or drugs are far more likely to cause a crash, with sadly all too often fatal consequences. This risky behaviour increases everywhere over the festive season, including right here in Somerset.
“You can help to put a stop to repeated reckless drivers by telling our charity what you know 100% anonymously. Information previously given to our charity has helped to remove dangerous drivers from our roads, which has undoubtedly saved lives.
“Our charity is here for you 24/7, 365 days a year, both online at Crimestoppers-uk.org and on the phone by calling 0800 555 111. If you know of someone involved in drug or drink driving – it could be a friend, neighbour, colleague or family member – tell our charity what you know. It’s better to be safe than sorry and it will make our roads safer for everyone.”
Visit Crimestoppers-uk.org to find out more and complete the anonymous online form or call the UK Contact Centre at any time on 0800 555 111 to pass on what you know.
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