There will be a continuous drink drive operation in Canterbury throughout December with the three Booze buses out day and night.
"We'll be targeting drink drivers throughout Canterbury with all available staff including some from other South Island districts", says acting Senior Sergeant Greg Murton. "The team will be operating 24/7 so if you have been drinking and driving there is a very high probability that you will be stopped. Only a fool would take the risk."
"Driving while under the influence of alcohol is just plain stupid and dangerous," says Murton. "There's enough publicity every year warning that if you're out to celebrate or at an office function, make sure you leave the car at home and arrange alternative transport."
Police advise that if you are planning to have good night, or day, out, plan how to get home before you go out. Arrange alternative transport, catch the bus or a cab, or designate a sober driver.
If your family or flatmate phone you in the middle of the night and ask for a lift home, be a friend if you're sober! It's not the time to argue; any recriminations can be sorted out when they are safely home or the next day.
"If you see party goers or friends who have drunk too much then please stop them driving by all means necessary," advises Greg Murton. "Also, remember that alcohol continues to build up in your system and you'll possibly still be over the limit the following morning, depending on how much you've drunk."
Those planning office functions are reminded to provide alternative transport where possible. Food should be of good quality and not the type to make people thirsty, and non alcoholic drinks should be readily available.
The public should expect drink/ driver operations in the city at anytime this month when all drivers will be checked, says Greg Murton.
"We will check all drivers entering or leaving an area," he says. "Commercial drivers will not be exempt. It's all too easy to stop off and have a beer with the boys while on a delivery run and find yourself over the limit."
In the last three months on average 14-17,000 breath tests were conducted in Canterbury each month.
"The STU will also be conducting random breath tests so expect the December figures to be much higher. Then there's all the rest of the district Police out there on watch too," says Acting Senior Sergeant Murton.
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