01/12/2022
PSNI Launch Annual Winter Anti-Drink Drive Operation
The PSNI has announced the launch of their annual Winter Anti-Drink Drive Operation, asking the public to "pause for a moment".
Announcing the launch, Superintendent Gary Busch said: "Last year, we asked road users to consider the impact of being detected drink or drug driving. This year, our request is more direct.
"We are asking the public to pause for a second. Whether people are at home, work or out enjoying themselves. Take one second to think about a relative a friend or a colleague. Now imagine never seeing them again.
"This is the very stark reality facing too many members of our community as we head into the festive season. There are families across Northern Ireland mourning the loss of loved ones. Loved ones who have been killed as the result of someone’s selfish decision to drive after drinking or taking drugs.
Superintendent Gary Busch, Road Policing, said: "Most people find it unthinkable to get behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol or taking drugs. Every year, as our arrest figures illustrate, too many people are prepared to take the risk or, worse, find it acceptable.
"Drink or drug driving remains one of the most significant causes of the most serious collisions which injure and kill people on roads across Northern Ireland.
"During last year’s campaign we carried out 6,999 roadside breath tests and arrested 295 people for drink/drug driving related offences.
"Most people find it unthinkable to get behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol or taking drugs. Every year, as our arrest figures illustrate, too many people are prepared to take the risk or, worse, find it acceptable.
"Over the coming weeks targeted operations will run day and night across the country, and we will coordinate road safety operations in border counties with colleagues from An Garda Síochána Traffic Corp.
"As in previous years, the Road Policing Unit and Interceptor Teams, local and neighbourhood officers will be working alongside Tactical Support Group colleagues. We will again use authorised vehicle checkpoints as a very visible, physical deterrent to anyone thinking about drink or drug driving.
"In addition, every driver or motorcyclist stopped by police for any moving traffic offence can expect to be breathalysed. Anyone involved in a collision or who we suspect may have consumed alcohol or taken drugs will also be tested.
"People need to make safe choices; use public transport, book a taxi or organise a lift with someone who is not drinking. We all share the roads, so we all share the responsibility for road safety.
"Slow down. Pay greater attention to your surroundings, always wear your seat belt and Never drive after drinking or taking drugs."
Announcing the launch, Superintendent Gary Busch said: "Last year, we asked road users to consider the impact of being detected drink or drug driving. This year, our request is more direct.
"We are asking the public to pause for a second. Whether people are at home, work or out enjoying themselves. Take one second to think about a relative a friend or a colleague. Now imagine never seeing them again.
"This is the very stark reality facing too many members of our community as we head into the festive season. There are families across Northern Ireland mourning the loss of loved ones. Loved ones who have been killed as the result of someone’s selfish decision to drive after drinking or taking drugs.
Superintendent Gary Busch, Road Policing, said: "Most people find it unthinkable to get behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol or taking drugs. Every year, as our arrest figures illustrate, too many people are prepared to take the risk or, worse, find it acceptable.
"Drink or drug driving remains one of the most significant causes of the most serious collisions which injure and kill people on roads across Northern Ireland.
"During last year’s campaign we carried out 6,999 roadside breath tests and arrested 295 people for drink/drug driving related offences.
"Most people find it unthinkable to get behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol or taking drugs. Every year, as our arrest figures illustrate, too many people are prepared to take the risk or, worse, find it acceptable.
"Over the coming weeks targeted operations will run day and night across the country, and we will coordinate road safety operations in border counties with colleagues from An Garda Síochána Traffic Corp.
"As in previous years, the Road Policing Unit and Interceptor Teams, local and neighbourhood officers will be working alongside Tactical Support Group colleagues. We will again use authorised vehicle checkpoints as a very visible, physical deterrent to anyone thinking about drink or drug driving.
"In addition, every driver or motorcyclist stopped by police for any moving traffic offence can expect to be breathalysed. Anyone involved in a collision or who we suspect may have consumed alcohol or taken drugs will also be tested.
"People need to make safe choices; use public transport, book a taxi or organise a lift with someone who is not drinking. We all share the roads, so we all share the responsibility for road safety.
"Slow down. Pay greater attention to your surroundings, always wear your seat belt and Never drive after drinking or taking drugs."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 July 2024
Man Dies In Road Crash In Co Tyrone
A man has died in a road collision in Co Tyrone. The incident, between a vehicle and a pedestrian, occurred in the Clanabogan Road area of Omaha at around 2.05pm on Friday, 12 July. The road was closed however it has now been re-opened.
Man Dies In Road Crash In Co Tyrone
A man has died in a road collision in Co Tyrone. The incident, between a vehicle and a pedestrian, occurred in the Clanabogan Road area of Omaha at around 2.05pm on Friday, 12 July. The road was closed however it has now been re-opened.
10 July 2024
Summer Road Safety Campaign Launches
All road users in Northern Ireland has been urged to take care on the roads over the holiday period to "make sure they and their loved ones get home safe". Making the call, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said: "Tragically, so far this year 34 people have set out on a routine journey and have lost their lives.
Summer Road Safety Campaign Launches
All road users in Northern Ireland has been urged to take care on the roads over the holiday period to "make sure they and their loved ones get home safe". Making the call, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said: "Tragically, so far this year 34 people have set out on a routine journey and have lost their lives.
27 September 2024
PSNI Introduces New Drug-Testing Kits For Roadside Checks
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has unveiled new drug-detection kits as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure road safety. The Road Policing Unit is piloting a 12-month program that will equip specially trained officers with DrugWipes, a rapid test for cannabis and cocaine.
PSNI Introduces New Drug-Testing Kits For Roadside Checks
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has unveiled new drug-detection kits as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure road safety. The Road Policing Unit is piloting a 12-month program that will equip specially trained officers with DrugWipes, a rapid test for cannabis and cocaine.
11 October 2024
Police Arrest Suspected Drug Dealer In Belfast
A 19-year-old man has been arrested following a police pursuit in west and north Belfast on Wednesday evening. According to authorities, officers from the Air Support Unit observed a motorcycle being driven dangerously in the west Belfast area around 10pm.
Police Arrest Suspected Drug Dealer In Belfast
A 19-year-old man has been arrested following a police pursuit in west and north Belfast on Wednesday evening. According to authorities, officers from the Air Support Unit observed a motorcycle being driven dangerously in the west Belfast area around 10pm.
02 October 2024
Man Charged With Drug Offences Following Strabane Seizure
Police in Strabane have charged a 26-year-old man with several offences following a seizure of suspected Class A drugs on Tuesday, 01 October. The man faces charges including possession of Class A controlled drugs with intent to supply, possession of Class A controlled drugs, and a range of driving offences.
Man Charged With Drug Offences Following Strabane Seizure
Police in Strabane have charged a 26-year-old man with several offences following a seizure of suspected Class A drugs on Tuesday, 01 October. The man faces charges including possession of Class A controlled drugs with intent to supply, possession of Class A controlled drugs, and a range of driving offences.