THE potentially fatal effects of driving after drinking or taking drugs is the focus of a new campaign as Christmas approaches.

Drivers are being urged to listen to the None for the Road campaign as when they are under the influence, they are more likely to kill or seriously hurt themselves or others.

Thousands of families are already enjoying the festive period but last year 13 people did not make it home for Christmas as a result of drink and drug driving crashes.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), will be working with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to try to bring this number down.

Drink and drug driving increases over the Christmas period as people head out to socialise and attend gatherings, with December seeing the third highest number of “driver impaired” collisions.

Between 2016 and 2020 there were 248 incidents involving drink or drug driving on roads across the region. In total 307 people were killed or seriously injured as a result.

And people are being encouraged to plan how they and others are going to get to and from a Christmas party or night out, and should consider using public transport, taxis, or private hire vehicles.

TfGM’s head of highways, Peter Boulton, said: “If you get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs you are taking your own life, and the lives of other people, in your hands.

“Not only are there strict penalties if you are convicted of drink or drug driving, but the potential consequences can be catastrophic.

“Last Christmas 13 loved ones were missing around the dinner table because of drink or drug driving. If those involved had instead had none for the road, that number would be zero.

“So, if you’re going out throughout the festive period, don’t get behind the wheel under the influence and have a night to remember instead of one to forget.”

Police will be carrying out roadside checks using breathalysers and drug wipes. In England, the legal alcohol limit for drivers is 35mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath; 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood; and 107mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine

It is also an offence to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified level in your blood – this includes illegal and medical drugs.

Chief Insp Danny Byrne added: “Those who chose to drink or drug drive, are putting the safety of themselves, any passengers in their vehicle and other road users at risk, with often fatal consequences."