POLICE across the region are warning drivers against the dangers of summer drink and drug driving.

West Mercia Police is backing a campaign from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) by launching a crackdown on people tempted to risk taking to the roads while under the influence.

The summer traditionally sees a rise in people mixing drink and driving and officers will be running roadside checks as well as raising awareness about the devastating consequences of drink driving.

Vicki Bristow, communications manager for the Warwickshire and West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership said: "During the summer months, we all enjoy the longer evenings but this often puts people in situations where they may be drinking more than usual.

“Our campaign aims to highlight the fact that mixing drinking and driving simply isn’t worth the risk. Our message is very simple: If you’re driving, don’t drink any alcohol at all. Alcohol affects everyone very differently and any amount can impair your ability to drive.

“The only safe option is to avoid alcohol completely if you are driving, as even ‘just one drink’ could put you over the limit.”

Over the past three years, 118 people have been killed or seriously injured in West Mercia and 78 in Warwickshire as a result of collisions involving drink or drugs.

Drivers aged 17 to 30 were involved in 64 per cent of crashes causing death or serious injury involving drink or drugs and 87 per cent of those drivers were male.

Staffordshire police have also launched their summer campaign, Inspector Mat Derrick, from the force's tactical support team for roads, said: "It’s just not worth the risk as you will be caught out one way or another.

"Every year, our officers have to tell families that their loved ones have been seriously injured or even died as a result of collisions caused by drink or drug driving.

“We are committed to reducing the number of people seriously injured or killed on our roads. All drivers involved in road traffic collisions attended by police will be breathalysed and anyone refusing to submit to a roadside test will be arrested and charged."

West Midlands Police will be launching their seasonal anti-drink/drug driving campaign later this week.