Christchurch Police has sent a warning to local trades and construction staff finishing up for the year today, that there are drug and alcohol checkpoints strategically placed around the city this evening.
Senior Sergeant Scott Richardson urges drivers to think before they get behind the wheel as the combination of excess speed and alcohol can be lethal.
“We want everyone to have a fun celebrating the end of work and start of the summer break,” says Richardson.
“There will be a visible Police presence around Canterbury and in central Christchurch with checkpoints at key locations. Anyone stopped by Police should expect to be breath tested.”
In the last five years, alcohol has been a factor in 30% of fatal and 15% of injury crashes on Canterbury roads says Police.
“It is the second year that the lower alcohol limits have been in place, and Police hopes that message to not drive if you are consuming alcohol has got through,” says Richardson.
“Your risk of involvement in a fatal crash is four times higher when you exceed the 250mg of alcohol per litre of breath limit and 16 times higher when you exceed the 400mg limit,” he says.
“The road toll in Canterbury is currently sitting at 44 which is 11 more than the same time last year.” says Richardson.
“Be a good mate and stop someone getting intoxicated in the first place. If you don’t feel comfortable telling them to lay off the alcohol speak to one of their friends or the party organiser, licence holder or security guard,” he says.
“Help us to help you have fun this festive season but be a good mate and stop at merry,” says Richardson.
