A MONTH-LONG campaign starts this week to help prevent the destruction caused by drink and drug driving.
Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police have teamed up as part of Operation Holly, and will be conducting operations throughout December across the Island, Hampshire, and Thames Valley.
Every driver involved in a collision will be breathalysed by police, and officers will make extra patrols based on intelligence about suspected offenders.
The tactics are designed to be a deterrent to any driver thinking about driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Last year, 7,606 people were breathalysed across the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, and 215 people were arrested.
Officers can carry out roadside drug tests when they have reasonable grounds to suspect a driver may have a trace amount of an illegal drug in their body.
If a trace is amount is detected, a motorist can be arrested and a blood sample taken.
Those caught can lose their driver’s licence as a consequence.
Hampshire Constabulary’s road safety lead, Sergeant Rob Heard said: "Think about the pain and misery you could inflict on innocent road users by a reckless decision to drive or ride after consuming alcohol or taking drugs.
"Being caught in control of any motor vehicle under the influence of drink or drugs can destroy your own life.
"Motorists breaking the law can face a criminal conviction, a prison sentence, driving ban, and the loss of your job.
"I ask people to remember particularly that it is not possible specifically to say how much alcohol you can drink and stay below the limit.
"The way alcohol affects you varies depending on your personal characteristics."
Sgt Heard said the morning after drinking was a crucial time and warned that alcohol can stay in a person's body for hours.
"After just four pints of lager, you may not be safe to drive for up to 13 hours, so whether you are drinking in the afternoon, at a work Christmas party, or going out for a few drinks in the evening, make sure you are safe to drive," he said.
"Just because you haven’t had a drink for a few hours, it doesn’t mean all the alcohol has left your system and you can drive, you are still likely to be over the limit."
Police are urging people to report drivers who they suspect are under the influence of drink or drugs, by calling 101 or texting 80999 with details of the vehicle, driver, location and times.
If callers want to remain anonymous, they can phone the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.