POLICE in Worcestershire are cracking down on drink and drug-driving as part of a summer campaign aiming to stamp out the crime.

In the past three years 118 people have been killed or serious injured in West Mercia as a result of crashes involving drink and drugs. Figures also show 64 per cent of drivers involved in these crashes were aged between 17 and 30 and 87 per cent were male.

Warwickshire and West Mercia’s Safer Roads Partnership has today launched a summer campaign aiming to raise awareness of the consequences of drink driving while officers will be cracking down on drivers getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs.

Chief Inspector Adrian Knight with Warwickshire and West Mercia Police’s protective services said the force was committed to cracking down on drink-driving all year round, but was aware cases could increase in the summer months.

"Officers within both force areas will be tasked with proactive patrolling and enforcement of legislation designed to make travelling on the roads safer for everyone,” he said.

"The consequences of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs can be catastrophic for families of people who die or suffer serious injuries as a result of unfit drivers."

Communications manager with the Safer Roads Partnership Vicki Bristow said the longer summer evenings may mean people are placed in situations where they might find themselves drinking more than usual, for example at barbecues, festivals or in beer gardens.

“Our campaign aims to highlight the fact that mixing drinking and driving simply isn't worth the risk,” she said. “Our message is very simple: If you're driving, don't drink any alcohol at all.

“Alcohol affects everyone very differently and any amount can impair your ability to drive.

“The only safe option is to avoid alcohol completely if you are driving, as even just one drink could put you over the limit.”

Anyone caught drink-driving faces having their licence revoked for at last a year as well as up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000. In March new laws were brought in making it easier for police to deal with drivers under the influence of drugs and officers were issued with new kits designed to test for cannabis and cocaine.