POLICE have launched a summer campaign against driving while under the influence of drink or drugs in Derbyshire.
Their message is: "Drinking or driving this summer? Make the right choice".
It is part of a national campaign during June. In Derbyshire it has been extended until the end of August.
Officers are targeting afternoon drinkers in pub beer gardens and people under the age of 25, who are often over-represented in the drink-drive figures.
Police have teamed up with Crimestoppers for the campaign.
The charity has offered a reward of up to £1,000 for information leading to the arrest and charge of a drink-driver.
During the June 2012 campaign in Derbyshire, there were 460 breath tests, of which 120 were positive, refused or failed to provide a sample. Of those positive tests, 79 were as a result of collisions and 41 were through police action.
Chief Inspector Steve Wilson, head of roads policing, said: "Not everyone who is caught drink-driving has been out socialising but a large percentage may have been.
"People need to be aware of the length of time alcohol can impair your judgement, with some drivers still being over the legal limit the morning after drinking the night before.
"It is also extremely dangerous to try to calculate alcohol levels – it depends on so many factors such as age, weight and food intake during the day.
"Those who attempt to calculate whether or not they are over the limit are not only putting themselves but other road users at risk. Our message is simple. If you're having a drink, don't take the risk of getting behind the wheel.''
Convicted drink-drivers get a criminal record, lose their driving licence for at least a year and they also risk losing their job and increased insurance premiums.
Drink-drivers can be reported by calling police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, although police say the 999 number should be used if an offence is taking place. For information about Crimestoppers visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
