Who’s ordered a lethal cocktail? Hampshire Constabulary launches winter drink and drug-drive campaign across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
 
The message from police as they launch their winter drink and drug-drive campaign ahead of the festive party season is: “Drink, drugs and driving are a lethal cocktail.”  

This year, the force is using the image of a cocktail menu (pictured) to show why mixing driving with alcohol, illegal drugs or both can be fatal for road users.
 
For the first time, the constabulary’s 80999 text message service is also available to report anyone suspected of driving under the influence.
 
Sergeant John Dainton from the Roads Policing unit said:

“If you’re out enjoying the party season this year, make sure you plan ahead and organise a safe journey home.
 
“Driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs puts you and other road users in danger.
 
“Alcohol, for example, makes it difficult to judge distances, while cannabis can slow your reaction times and cocaine makes you more likely to take risks.
 
“Combine any of these with driving and the results can be lethal.
 
“The effects of alcohol and many drugs can last for hours, so you may still be unsafe to drive the next day.
 
“The best advice is not to drink at all if you’re driving, or book a taxi beforehand.
 
“This year, you can now also text us a message to 80999 if you think someone’s driving when they shouldn’t be.
 
“By texting, you can still report the details to us when it’s not so easy to do so over the phone, if you’re at the pub for example.”

The campaign runs from Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 until Sunday, January 31st, 2010.
 
Drinks menus, beer mats and posters featuring the cocktail image are being sent out to bars, pubs and clubs across the force area.  They will also be seen in taxis licensed by Hampshire County Council. Police will be patrolling the roads as they do throughout the year. 

“Our officers know what to look for,” Sgt Dainton continued “and the chances are you will be caught, fined, banned from driving or even sent to jail.
 
“So if drink or drug-driving doesn’t kill you or someone else, it can still ruin lives.”