A chief constable has spoken about how her dad was killed after a motorist fell asleep while driving.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner for Sussex Police revealed that her father died when she was just a teenager and spoke about the “heartbreak” that she and her family felt.
Her comments came amid a campaign to reduce casualties on the road this Christmas.
She said: “I know from personal experience the heartbreak of losing a loved one on the road, I lost my father when I was a teenager.
“He was killed on his way to work one morning after a driver fell asleep at the wheel.
“Following the experience of my family, with my mother being widowed so suddenly at the hands of another driver, I am making sure we are doing all we can to make sure that others do not have to face the same thing.
“Hopefully, this year, with the public and police working together, it will mean fewer families facing this Christmas without their loved ones.”
A national campaign, Drink Driving - Together We Can Stop It, calls on people to help reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads by reporting or challenging their friends and family before they drive under the influence.
While 88 per cent of Sussex and Surrey residents say drink drivers should be reported to police, less than half (47 per cent) would be prepared to take their keys off them to stop them driving.
However, this was above the national average of 41 per cent.
Sussex and Surrey residents were also more likely than the average Briton to call a cab for a drunk friend (79 per cent, compared to 67 per cent), and to let a friend stay over so they can drive home the next day (64 per cent, compared to 52 per cent).
CC Shiner encouraged people going out this festive season to assign a designated driver and persuade those considering taking to the road while drunk not to drive.
She said: “Drink driving destroys lives, but tragically every day reckless drivers get behind the wheel and put themselves and others at risk.
“People who drink drive need to be stopped and our campaign aims to save lives and deal robustly with offenders.
“To anybody who thinks they can drink and drive and not get caught, think again.”
Officers are increasing their presence on roads to coincide with the lead-up to Christmas as well as the World Cup to target and catch drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Last year, Sussex Police made over 1,200 arrests for drink-driving, and a further 1,142 arrests of motorists under the influence of drugs.
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Taking action before a night out and making plans to safely get home could make all the difference and even save lives.
“While it is the driver’s responsibility not to get behind the wheel, we should never be afraid to challenge our friends, family or colleagues who think they’ll be ok.”
The consequences of drink or drug-driving can include a minimum 12-month ban, an unlimited fine, a possible prison sentence and a criminal record.
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