Heading out for a drink (or two) this Christmas? We are urging people to ensure you’ve got a plan to get home safely. Nothing ruins a festive celebration faster than a bad decision – or a blue-light escort to the station.

Drink and drug driving is dangerous year-round, but during the festive season with all the extra celebrating, the risks grow. Did you know drivers under the influence of drink and drugs are 16 times more likely to cause a collision involving serious injury or death? * That’s not the kind of stat you want to be involved in.

We want everyone who celebrates to have a very Merry Christmas, and this includes ensuring people get home safely. Every year, we arrest people who decide they are ‘fine’ to get behind the wheel after drinking – a choice that puts themselves, their passengers, and everyone else around and on the road at risk.

Waiting for a taxi or hopping on a bus might not sound glamorous during the busy festive season but doing so saves lives. Plus, it’s a lot better than the alternatives: fines, court dates or worse.

Last December alone, 114 people found themselves under arrest on suspicion of drunk or drink driving.

Some thought they were clear the morning after a night out, only to find out alcohol can stay in our systems longer than they thought and they were still over the legal limit.

We are urging road users, passengers and concerned friends and family to make no exceptions for drink or drug driving. Even if you’re wondering if you’re over the limit, just don’t drive.

Inspector John Rickells from the Roads Policing Unit said: “If you’re planning a night out this December, make sure you know how you’re going to get home safely.

“Book a taxi ahead of time, nominate a designated driver, or hop on a night bus – you’ll thank yourself later and avoid losing more than your license this winter.

“One extra drink. One bad call. That’s all it takes to turn a celebration into a tragedy.

“While we encourage everyone to have fun and enjoy the festivities, risking the safety of yourself and others by driving under the influence simply isn’t worth it. Regardless of feeling capable of driving safely, it does not mean you’re under the legal limit. If in doubt, don’t get behind the wheel.

“It’s important to remember that there are families grieving for loved ones who were killed by drink drivers. Their lives have been shattered by selfish and avoidable decisions.

“Our team witnesses first-hand the devastating consequences of drink and drug driving, which really can mean the difference between life and death. Throughout December, we’ll be conducting proactive roadside tests for both drink and drug driving to keep everyone safe on our roads.”

Between Saturday 7 December 2024 and Saturday 29 March 2025, Stagecoach will be running late night buses between 12.10am and 1.10am, to provide people with safe and convenient travel. East bound services will be running from Hull Truck Theatre and service through Alfred Gelder Street. West and north bound services will start from Alfred Gelder Street and service through to Hull Truck Theatre and will travel out of the city centre.

If you suspect someone is driving under the influence of drink or drugs and it’s happening now, call 999 immediately.

*Information sourced from NPCC.