Drivers and riders have a legal responsibility to comply with the law on drink and drug driving. Impairment significantly
increases the risk of collisions and can have devastating consequences.
As we enter the festive season and this time of celebration, Road Safety Wales is highlighting the importance of making
the right choices to ensure that everyone arrives home safely.
Alcohol gives a false sense of confidence, judgement will be affected, reflex responses are decreased, and reaction times
are slower.
If you intend to drive or ride a vehicle, avoid alcohol altogether. This is the only way you can be certain that you are under the drink drive limit. Leave your vehicle at home and before you go out make plans about how to get back
saving the number of a local taxi provider in your phone or downloading a taxi app can save time and hassle later.
Although many people have an awareness of the dangers of drink driving, some may be less familiar with the effects that both legal and illegal drugs have on their ability to drive safely, and within the law.
It is an offence for someone to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified Ilevel in the blood - this includes
illegal and medical drugs. If it impairs their driving, it is also unlawful for someone to drive with legal drugs in their body,
such as those prescribed by a doctor or bought over the counter. A doctor, pharmacist or other medical professional can
let you know whether any medication could affect your driving.
Illegal drugs should always be avoided, but unfortunately a minority of people choose to break the law. Cannabis can
lead to impaired concentration, slower reactions and paranoia. Cocaine can lead to increased aggression, increased risk
taking and over confidence:
Rhys John-Howes, Chair of Road Safety Wales, said: The effects of a drug may be relatively short-lived, but they can
remain in your system for many hours after you have used them - some drugs can stay in the body for several days.
Even when the drug feels like it has worn off, it can s.till be detected in your system
in saliva, blood or urine - for a
longer period of time.
""Driving after using drugs is unacceptable and puts all road users at risk.
Superintendent Jolene Mann, Head of Specialist Operations, Dyfed Powys Police, said: "Every year, drug drivers are involved in serious and fatal collisions in Wales. Most people don't think it willhappen to them, but drugs and driving are a deadly combination, even if you believe you are fine to drive or haven't been involved in a collision when driving under-the-influence on a previous occasion.
"Through Operation Revoke, in conjunction with the DVLA, we are targeting drivers who use drugs and ensuring their driving licences are revoked."
Throughout the festive period, the national #OpLimit campaign will see police forces using local knowledge of hotspots
to identify people who are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Drink and drug driving is selfish and inexcusible. If you have consumed alcohol or used drugs, don't drive
If you are a drug user, or have concerns about someone else' S drug use, engaging in a conversation about it can feel
tough, but support is available.
The Wales Drug & Alcohol Helpline (DAN 24/7) is available to people who live in Wales and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
For a confidential chat or advice on accessing local and regional services, call: 0808 808 2234.
Consumed alcohol or used drugs? Don't drive
Track renewals and vegetation management to affect train journeys in West Wales from this weekend
Track renewals and vegetation management to affect train journeys in West Wales from this weekend
Record Numbers for The Big Pembrokeshire Pantomime
Snow White - The Big Pembs Panto production for 2024 is behind you! Oh yes it is... but last years Pantomime saw record numbers through the doors of The Boulevard Theatre to catch, what has become a new ‘must -see’ in the Christmas calendar.
Fishguard Harbour Incident - 19-01-25
At 9.02am on Sunday, January 19th, the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Fishguard and Haverfordwest Fire Stations were called to an incident at Fishguard Harbour.
South Hook LNG’s £5000 Scholarship Awarded to Local Law Student
Former Haverfordwest High student Alisha Akhtar is the recipient of South Hook LNG’s 2024 Scholarship Award.
Public urged to have say on future of waste and recycling in Pembrokeshire
A draft environmental strategy, covering proposals for the future of waste and recycling, street cleansing and green spaces in Pembrokeshire has been launched by Pembrokeshire County Council.
Narberth & Whitland Rotary - Young Musician Competition
Six enthusiastic and talented musicians took part in the first round of the 2025 Young Musician competition at the Bethesda Chapel in Narberth on Wednesday 15 January. Congratulations to the Instrumental winner, Alaw Elisa on Harp, representing Ysgol Bro Preseli, and the vocalist winner, Max Morris, also representing Ysgol Bro Preseli.
Multi RNLI Assistance For Stricken Survey Vessel
St Davids RNLI were requested to launch three times in 40 hours to assist a survey vessel with engine failure taking on water.
Three Couples, Three Acts, Three Christmases
Three couples meet on three successive Christmases in their respective kitchens, but all is not what it seems and there’s a sting in the tail. Their changing fortunes and the strains of the festive season combined with Alan Aykbourn’s wicked wit and dark observation result in one of his funniest plays to appear on the Torch Theatre stage this February.