MOTORISTS across Worcestershire are being reminded of the dangers of drink driving during the festive period.

Drivers are being asked to consider if they could be ‘over the limit’ before they get in their car this winter as part of this year’s campaign by police, road safety campaigners and local authorities to crack down on boozing and cruising offences.

Officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols and spot checks at random locations at various time of the day or night to catch drink drivers in their tracks.

Cops will be using cars fitted with ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology to identify vehicles of interest including those which may not have tax or an MOT and those driven by people suspected of or previously convicted of drink driving.

Posters and beermats have also been distributed to pubs and clubs to make people think about the consequences of drink or drug driving; and online blogs and videos showcasing five characters who unwittingly take a risk on the roads have also been produced as part of the campaign which runs until the New Year.

Vicki Bristow, spokesman for the Safer Roads Partnership, said: “The campaign highlights the possible consequences of what could happen if a person decides to drive under the influence of drink or drugs.

“There are still people out there who feel they can gamble with drinking and driving and think they know how much the limit is but the simple fact is, there is only one way of being sure you are safe to drive and that is not to drink at all.

“We would also ask people to consider other options when out drinking over the festive season, public transport, taxis and sharing nominated drivers are easy to arrange – drinking and driving simply isn’t worth the risk.

Inspector Adrian Maiden, who is co-ordinating this year's campaign in North Worcestershire, said: "Drink drivers, if caught, face a mandatory disqualification of at least a year, which very often means they lose their job, and this in turn may mean they lose their home."

Figures show that over the past three years three people lost their lives in Worcestershire and 29 were seriously injured in collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor. An extra 228 people suffered slight injuries.