North Yorkshire Police have launched a Christmas campaign on drink and drug driving - and soap fans might spot a familiar face in it.
Emmerdale's Marlon Dingle actor Mark Charnock has partnered up with the emergency services to demonstrate he potential impact of drink and drug driving over the festive period.
The soap star can be seen in a mock road traffic collision aimed to highlight the dangers of driving under the influence, the campaign is a collaboration with York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership.
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The Christmas campaign urges people to ring 999 if they suspect someone is drink or drug-driving. It states that as of today, Thursday, December 1, North Yorkshire Police will be patrolling the county in both marked and unmarked vehicles.
There will also be static roadside checks in place which will provide police officers with the power to request a breath sample from any driver they suspect to be under the influence.
Police have also taken the opportunity to remind drivers that you can also over the limit the morning after a heavy night, it doesn't just relate to having a drink or taking drugs and getting straight into the car.
Speaking of the mock road traffic collision actor, Mark said: "They cut you out of the wreckage, you hear this really terrifying grinding noise you can hear metal being torn. It's like being in a horror film and then they start to extricate you from the worst experience of your life. It's just not worth the pint, it's just not. I hope people will listen because you wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy."
Speaking about this year’s campaign Superintendent Emma Aldred, head of Specialist Operations at North Yorkshire Police commented:
“The Christmas drink and drug drive campaign is a priority for the force each year. We make no apology for stopping motorists who are either driving when over the drink drive limit or under the influence of drugs. December is anticipated to be a busy period for us with the usual Christmas parties as well as the world cup.
“I would urge people who are out socialising to call out anyone who is about to drive or who is driving when under the influence of drink or drugs. If it’s happening there and then, please call us on 999. One call could be all it takes to save a life”.
Group manager for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Tony Peel added: “Year-on-year lives are lost or changed forever due to the actions of others. There are still people who continue to put not only their life at risk but also that of others through inconsiderate irresponsible behaviours of driving under the influence of drink and, or drugs."
137 people were arrested for drink or drug driving during last years campaign – which ran from December 1, 2021, to January 1, 2022. Out of those 137 arrests, 120 were men and 17 were women. 72 people of the 137 were charged with an offence. 25 of those arrests were made following a road traffic collision.
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