HAMPSHIRE Constabulary will be out in force once again this summer targeting people who drink or take drugs and get behind the wheel.

Drug and drink-driving is recognised by independent research as one of the ‘fatal four’ factors that results in road deaths and serious crashes.

Monday saw the start of this summer’s crackdown across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the Thames Valley region.

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police’s joint operations unit will be conducting drink and drug operations throughout the day and night across both force areas for the next six weeks - until July 14.

Road safety sergeant Rob Heard said: “We’re reminding people of the devastating damage drug and drink-driving brings to families.

“Too many people are still taking the risk to drive while impaired, but we are dedicated to reducing it. These people not only put themselves at risk but others who are often innocently going about their daily lives.

“As well as aiming to reduce the number of people who are killed or injured, we would also like to remind motorists that receiving a conviction for drink or drug-driving could ruin their lives.”

Extra patrols will be carried out specifically designed to breathalyse and educate drivers, and intelligence-led operations to catch offenders will be staged.

Every driver involved in a collision will be routinely breathalysed.

“We are now using drug analysers, so if we suspect someone may be impaired by drugs we can carry out a roadside drug test,” said Sergeant Heard.

“The test will detect if people have a trace amount of an illegal drug. If they do they will be arrested and a blood sample will be taken. All we need to prove is a trace amount of the drug in their system and they will then lose their licence, like in the cases of drink driving. We do not need to prove you are impaired.

“Being caught in control of any motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or drink can destroy your life. You could face a criminal conviction, possible prison term, driving ban, and could even lose your job. It’s not worth the risk.”

And he added: “We ask people to remember particularly that it is not possible to specifically say how much alcohol you can drink and stay below the limit. The way alcohol affects you varies depending on your personal characteristics, such as your weight, age, sex and metabolism, the type and amount of alcohol you’re drinking, what you have eaten recently, and your stress levels at the time.

“Any amount of alcohol or drugs will cause some degree of impairment, so it is always best not to drink or take drugs and drive at all.”

And he concluded: “The morning after is also a crucial time for your decisions and the safety of all road users.

“After just four pints of lager, you may not be safe to drive for up to 13 hours, so whether you are drinking watching the football World Cup, enjoying a barbecue, or going out for a few drinks in the evening, make sure you are safe to drive.

“Just because you haven’t had a drink for a few hours, it doesn’t mean all the alcohol has left your system and you can drive - you are still likely to be over the limit. Equally, some illegal drugs can stay in your system for a very long time.”