Drivers urged to 'be sensible' over Christmas

Police have urged motorists: "Please be sensible with your decision making" this Christmas.

Insp Col Robinson, from West Mercia Police, said people "tend to forget the message we do give throughout the year, which is don't drink and drive".

Over the last three years, he said, 37 people had died and 232 been seriously injured in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, as a result of collisions involving drink or drugs.

Insp Robinson said the force would once again step up patrols over Christmas, to "make sure people get home safely".

He said it was not a surprise that people choose to go out and celebrate with friends and family over the festive period, but the police advice to drivers was "just don't have a drink".

Insp Robinson said because of different alcohol strengths and people's tolerances, it was impossible to estimate how much alcohol was "safe" to drink.

"Last December alone within the three counties, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Herefordshire, we arrested 186 people for drink and drug-related driving," he said.

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