SURREY Police, Surrey County Council and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service have combined

to launch a campaign on the dangers of drinking and driving.

On average nearly four people a month are killed or seriously injured on Surrey's roads as a result of people driving while impaired (mainly through drink).

Around Christmas and the New Year there can be extra temptation to drink and drive and publicity material will target male drivers in their teens and 20s – the most likely to drink and drive according to collision and positive breath test statistics.

A stark image with the message 'Drinking and Driving Shatters Lives' is being displayed on the back of buses, on petrol pumps and in pub and club washrooms across the county.

Posters and leaflets carrying the same image and some practical information on how to avoid driving home after drinking will also be distributed across the county in, for example, pubs, clubs, bars, community centres, petrol stations, libraries, schools and colleges.

Cinema goers won't be able to escape the warning either. In some areas, screens and Scene magazine are carrying the image and message, alongside a second grim image of a car that has collided with a tree with the messages 'What's under your tree this Christmas?' and 'He should have crashed at yours'.

Although there is a legal limit of alcohol for driving, any amount will affect ability to react in an emergency, especially when combined with factors such as tiredness, drugs and stress.

As well as looking for people driving under the influence of drink or drugs, Surrey officers will be particularly looking out for drivers not wearing a seatbelt, using a hand-held mobile phone, speeding and ignoring traffic signs.

Chief Inspector Stuart Sang, head of Surrey Police Roads Policing Unit, warned: "Surrey Police vigorously enforces the drink-drive law every day but, with all the socialising that the festive season brings, there can be an increased temptation for people to drink and drive.

"If you are involved in a collision or are caught committing road traffic offences or driving badly, you will be breath tested or tested for drugs if an officer suspects these are involved. Drivers need to be particularly aware of the 'morning after effect', where they could still be over the limit the next morning.

"The clear message is that drinking and driving has serious consequences – you risk killing or seriously injuring yourself or another person and you risk arrest and court. If convicted you will face a fine, disqualification and a criminal record and you may go to prison.

"Please think about how your irresponsible behaviour could affect someone else's life as well as your own. Don't be the cause of the knock on the door by a police officer having to break the news of the death of, or serious injury to, someone's loved one."

If you have any information about those driving under the influence of drink or drugs call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.