Police step up New Year drink and drug driving patrols across the West Midlands
Officers warn impaired reactions, winter weather and late-night celebrations increase collision risk
West Midlands Police are increasing patrols over the New Year period as part of efforts to tackle drink and drug driving across the region.
PC Yang Feng, from the Road Policing Unit’s Road Harm Prevention Team, says alcohol and drugs can significantly affect a driver’s ability to react to hazards on the road.
“Alcohol slows down your reaction time,” PC Feng said. “Your reaction to hazards reduces significantly. Your vision can go blurry and you can’t properly focus on what’s happening in front of you. It just slows you down.”
With New Year celebrations often involving parties and alcohol, PC Feng says planning ahead is essential.
“Drink and drug driving is one of the biggest contributing factors to deaths or serious injuries in road traffic collisions,” he said. “If you’re going out, plan a safe way home before you leave. Arrange a taxi or another safe option.”
Drivers are also being urged to make sure their vehicles are winter-ready.
“Check your tyres and make sure they’re legal, check your lights, have de-icer and screen wash,” PC Feng said. “Tyres affect your stopping distance, particularly in wet or icy conditions.”
As part of a national campaign, West Midlands Police are running high-visibility patrols and roadside checks over the New Year period. Officers will be carrying out breath tests on drivers, including those involved in collisions or suspected of impaired driving.
PC Feng said police are also using intelligence-led operations to target known hotspots and routes where people have previously been killed or seriously injured.
“We’ll be stopping drivers to educate them or enforce the law where applicable,” he said.
Police say they often see an increase in collisions during late December and into the New Year.
“That’s mostly due to drink and drug driving after parties or celebrations,” PC Feng said. “Darker nights, poor weather like rain or ice, and increased traffic can all contribute.”
Passengers are also being reminded to take responsibility for their own safety.
“The simplest advice is don’t get in the car if you know the driver has been drinking,” PC Feng said. “It’s better to have an awkward conversation than risk your life. Book a taxi instead.”
He added that anyone who believes a person is about to drive while intoxicated and will not listen should call 999, which police will treat as an emergency. People can also report concerns anonymously through Crimestoppers.
“Crimestoppers allows people to share information without giving their details,” PC Feng said. “That information helps us target drink and drug drivers and keep roads safer.”