THE PSNI launched their winter safe driving campaign yesterday revealing they would be working alongside garda officers in border areas to reduce risk and increase detection.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said the PSNI had would be increasing drink driving checks and that anyone stopped by police could expect to be breathalysed.
"As 357 people detected during our winter operation last year discovered to their cost, everyday tasks they'd taken for granted became much more difficult as a result of losing their driving licence.
"This year, we are asking the public some sobering questions; What can you live without?’ Can you live without your driving licence? Can you still do your job? Can you still care for your family?
"If you take the risk of driving after drinking, you can expect to be detected by police.
"You can expect to be prosecuted and lose your driving licence.
"If you cause a collision in which someone is killed or seriously injured, you can expect a custodial sentence.
The police operation, which runs until January 1, will feature road policing officers, local and neighbourhood policing teams working alongside TSG units using legislation introduced in 2016, to set up vehicle checkpoints and carry out random breath tests, he said.
The PSNI will also work with An Garda Síochána traffic branch in border counties as part of the crackdown campaign.
ACC Todd said: "We carried out nearly 16,000 preliminary roadside breath tests during last year's operation – a 25 per cent increase over the previous year. Our aim during this campaign is to test even more people, but have fewer detections.
"We all share the roads, so we all share the responsibility for road safety. Slow down. Never drive after drinking or taking drugs. Pay greater attention to your surroundings, and always wear your seatbelt. If everyone follows this advice, then together we can save lives on our roads", he added.
