Emmerdale star Mark Charnock has endorsed the North Yorkshire Police crackdown on Christmas drink driving, launched today (Thursday).
Mark, who plays Marlon Dingle in the soap, participated in a mock road traffic collision to show members of the public the harsh reality of drink and drug driving.
He was cut out of the wreckage of a car by firefighters, and afterwards declared it to be “terrifying… like being in a horror film”.
“It’s not worth the pint,” Mark said. “I hope people will listen, because you wouldn’t wish it on your worst enemy.”
Emergency services are urging people to ‘Save a life and call it in’ this Christmas.
The York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership is asking people to call out anyone who is behind the wheel when under the influence of drink or drugs, by dialling 999.
From today, North Yorkshire Police’s drink and drug drive campaign will see officers patrolling the county in marked and unmarked police vehicles in a bid to ensure that those who put their own lives and other road users lives at risk are caught and prosecuted.
Static roadside checks will also be in place to provide officers with the power to request a breath sample from any driver who is suspected to have committed a road traffic offence.
Police are also keen to remind road users that it’s not just about having a drink or taking drugs and getting straight into the car – you can also be over the limit the morning after.
Last year’s drink drive figures
During last year’s drink drive campaign in North Yorkshire – which ran from 1 December, 2021, to 1 January, 2022 – there were
- 137 people arrested for drink or drug driving
- 120 were men and 17 were women
- 72 people of the 137 were charged with an offence
- 25 of the arrests were made following a road traffic collision.
Superintendent Emma Aldred, head of Specialist Operations at North Yorkshire Police said: “The Christmas drink and drug drive campaign is a priority for the force each year. We make no apology for stopping motorists who are either driving when over the drink drive limit or under the influence of drugs.
“December is anticipated to be a busy period for us with the usual Christmas parties as well as the World Cup.
“I would urge people who are out socialising to call out anyone who is about to drive or who is driving when under the influence of drink or drugs.
“If it’s happening there and then, please call us on 999. One call could be all it takes to save a life.”
Group Manager for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Tony Peel said: “Year on year lives are lost or changed forever due to the actions of others.
“There are still people who continue to put not only their life at risk but also that of others through inconsiderate irresponsible behaviours of driving under the influence of drink and, or drugs.
“Please plan ahead and make alternative arrangements, the risk is defiantly not worth it, the consequences are life changing for not only you but many others.”
[tptn_list limit=3 daily=1 hour_range=1]