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Liverpool's Drink and Drug Driving Crisis:- 'A Call for Action and Support'
A recent study by addiction treatment provider Rehab Today revealed that the Liverpool area has the 10th highest risk of alcohol overconsumption in the UK. The City scored:- 69.29 out of 100 in the new ranking. This concerning statistic coincides with alarming road safety data, as Merseyside Police arrested:- 1,600 drivers for drink or drug driving in:- 2024.
In 2024, there were 36 road traffic collisions in the city attributed to impaired driving, with Merseyside Police reporting that:- "58% of crashes involved alcohol impairment, while in 42% of incidents, drug impairment was a factor." The shocking statistics might be worse still as the independent study by Rehab Today into excessive alcohol overconsumption found that the issue extends beyond Liverpool, with the study also highlighting other nearby areas with high risk scores:-
The most prevalent age group for impaired drivers was between the ages of:- 40 and 49. Males were a significantly higher proportion of impaired drivers.
In response to these findings, Liverpool City Council has launched a new campaign urging drivers to:- "Avoid the Mourning After," and make responsible choices. This initiative aligns with Merseyside Police's Operation Limit, an enhanced enforcement program targeting impaired drivers. Operation Limit is a key part of the 2040 Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries across Merseyside by 2040. Stuart McIver, Roads Policing Chief Inspector for Merseyside Police, emphasized the severe consequences of impaired driving, stating:- "Lighter nights and warmer weather usually mean people enjoying barbecues, beer gardens, and festivals, which is lovely. The problem can be around getting home afterwards. If you’ve planned to drink any amount at all, get public transport or a taxi home. Don’t take the risk. Aside from the potential driving ban, prison sentence, and £5000 fine, the potential human cost if you were to get behind the wheel after a drink is just unthinkable. For the sake of a pint of lager or a glass of wine, you could ruin multiple lives. Including your own. The same is true for drug driving. Both non-prescription and some prescription drugs can severely impair your ability to drive safely. Our stance as a force on drug-driving is well known: it will not be tolerated in Merseyside. The penalty for drug driving is a potential driving ban, an unlimited fine, and a potential custodial sentence. Plan. Do not drink or drug and drive. We will be out patrolling and actively testing. There’s no excuse." Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, added:- "Every collision caused by drink or drug driving is not just a statistic; it’s a shattered life, a grieving family, and a community left to pick up the pieces. That is why campaigns like this are so important and can make a real difference. People need to learn that their actions and behaviour can have horrible consequences for other people, not just themselves. We must all take responsibility. If you choose to drive impaired, you’re gambling with lives. Let’s make this summer one of safety, not sorrow." Driving while impaired carries serious consequences, including:- "imprisonment, heavy fines, and mandatory driving bans." Long term impacts can include:- a criminal record, increased insurance costs, and barriers to employment and travel. The message is clear:- "If you drink a little, you risk a lot." Perry Clayman, Managing Director and Founder of Rehab Today, noted that:- "The findings we have just released are not good reading. Whilst the North East Region dominates with 5 locations among the top 10 highest risk areas, Liverpool and surrounding areas are being impacted by over alcohol overconsumption. In all cases, early intervention and accessible treatment options are essential for addressing these disparities. Communities with higher risk factors need targeted support and resources to combat alcohol misuse and reduce its impact on public health." Advice and Support for Those Struggling... If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, there is help available. It is crucial to seek support, not only for personal well being but also to prevent the tragic consequences of impaired driving. Finding Help and Support:- NHS Services: Your first point of contact should be your GP, who can provide confidential advice and refer you to local NHS drug and alcohol services. You can also find your local service directly through the NHS website. National Helplines:-
Support Groups:-
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Offers a network of local support groups for people who want to stop drinking. Find a local meeting through the AA UK website. Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Provides similar support for individuals seeking to recover from drug addiction. Find meetings on the NA UK website. Local Services: Organisations like:- Change Grow Live (CGL) and We Are With You have local hubs across the country, including in:- Liverpool and Merseyside, offering a range of services from:- one 2 one support to group sessions. Search their websites for your nearest center. Rehab and Residential Treatment: For more intensive support, services like Rehab Today provide a range of residential and outpatient treatment options. Visiting their website or a similar provider can offer more information. Taking the 1st step to get help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Don't hesitate to reach out. COMMENTS (0)
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