And the police will also be cracking down on drug driving too. Acting Chief Inspector Paul Sellwood said:

“Not only have you got your illegal drugs but you also have many drugs on the market like prescription drugs that will impair your ability to drive, causing you to be drowsy. Think of the consequences, don’t be tempted, you don’t want to cause pain and anguish to your family this time of year.”

Drink Driving - the facts:

• Between 2004 and 2008, over the festive period (Nov to Jan) there was 304 people either killed or injured in drink drive related crashes in Kent
• In December 2008, 275 people were arrested for Drink Driving EBA (Excess Breath Alcohol)
• The proportion of drink related road deaths for the UK is one in six
• Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely - drinking and driving do not mix
• Driving at the legal limit means you are between twice and five times more likely to crash.
• Alcohol slows reactions, leading to increased stopping distance, leads to poorer judgement of speed and distance, and reduces field of vision. Alcohol also tends to make you feel over-confident and more likely to take risks when driving, which increases the danger to all road users.
• Most drink-drive crashes happen between midnight Thursday and midnight Sunday
• If you drive at twice the legal alcohol limit you are at least 30 times more likely to cause a road crash than a driver who hasn't been drinking...and 50 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash.
• Causing death by dangerous driving when under the influence of drink or drugs can lead to up to 14 years' imprisonment, together with an unlimited fine, disqualification from driving for at least 2 years and a mandatory extended driving test.
• Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink could lead to a 6 month prison sentence, together with a fine of up to £5,000 and disqualification from driving for at least 12 months (3 years if convicted twice in10 years).
• After a drink drive conviction you could pay up to three times more for car insurance

For more information about the campaign visit www.kentroadsafety.info or www.kent.gov.uk/