Police warning over drink and drug driving this Christmas and New Year

West Yorkshire Police has issued a warning about the potentially serious consequences of driving after drinking or taking drugs.

It comes as officers gear up to keep the roads safe during the festive season. 

Now, the police force has shared 12 of the common excuses made by drink and drug drivers. 

Drink and drug driving excuses

Here are some of the most well-used reasons for getting behind the wheel whilst intoxicated.

• "I only had a couple"
• “I thought I’d be ok”
• “I couldn’t afford a taxi”
• “Drugs don’t affect my driving”
• “I needed to get home for my dog”
• “I’m a really good driver”
• "I haven’t had a drink since last night"
• “I fancied a takeaway. Thought I’d be ok”
• “I was only driving a short distance”
• “I’ve had some sleep so thought I’d be fine”
• “I wasn’t driving very far"

There are no excuses for driving under the influence of drink or drugs, police said, it is always against the law.

Increased police enforcement this Christmas

West Yorkshire Police will be carrying out an increased enforcement in support of the national drink and drug drive operation co-ordinated by the National Police Chief’s Council.

Chief Inspector James Farrar, head of the West Yorkshire Police Roads Policing Unit (RPU), said: “I want to express my sincere thanks to the large number of responsible drivers in West Yorkshire who help to keep our roads and communities safe by driving within the law and following sensible advice if planning to have a drink.

“However there are of course some people who unfortunately think the law doesn’t apply to them and believe they have a valid excuse to drive under the influence.

Chief Inspector James Farrar, head of the West Yorkshire Police Roads Policing Unit (RPU) (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

“Whatever the excuse driving under the influence of drink and drugs is against the law. Consequences include a fine, driving disqualification or even a prison sentence. But most importantly the outcome could be having to live with the knowledge that you have seriously injured or, even worse, killed an innocent person. 

“So far this year there has been 46 people killed and over 1,100 people seriously injured as a result of road traffic collisions on the roads of West Yorkshire. 86 of these collisions the driver was under the influence. That means 86 of the most serious collisions on our roads were completely preventable. 

“During December we will be focusing our patrols as part of the national drink and drug drive campaign, so I’m asking anyone who is planning to drive under the influence thinking they won’t get caught to reconsider. My officers are experts in identifying driving behaviours indicative of people driving under the influence and like last year they will be relentless in continuing to stop every driver whom they suspect may be doing so.

“We’ll be doing all we can to keep West Yorkshire’s communities safe as possible this festive season, but members of the public can do their bit too by reporting anyone they know that drives under the influence of drink or drugs.”

How to report drink or drug driving

People can report information about anyone suspected of regularly driving under the influence of drink or drugs by visiting www.westyorkshire.police.uk/form/drink-drug-driving-reporting-form

Alternatively people can contact contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously online or by calling 0800 555 111.

Members of the public should call 999 in an emergency - such as if a crime is in progress or there is a danger to life.  

The Force is also encouraging people who are struggling with issues around alcohol, drugs or any other vulnerabilities to reach out for support. 

It has teamed up with West Yorkshire Liaison and Diversion, a support service who can help people with drink and drug problems who have come into contact with the criminal justice system.