Wales-Wide Festive Drink and Drug Drive Crackdown
Police forces are preparing to crack down on drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs ahead of the festive season.
Drivers will be breathalysed and also checked for drugs during the campaign after a change to the law last spring.
Nearly 23,000 motorists were breathalysed during the operation last December.
This year's month long campaign, led by South Wales Police, launches today in Merthyr Tydfil.
More than 500 drivers failed drink driving tests during last year's clampdown, with almost 100 more drivers arrested for getting behind the wheel after taking drugs.
Assistant Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan, South Wales Police said forces would take a zero tolerance approach to those who break the law.
"As Christmas is all about spending time with friends and family, our campaign focuses on showing the true impact either committing or falling victim to this crime can have on the communities of Wales," he said.
"Since the improvements of roadside testing for alcohol and drugs, there is nowhere to hide for those that break the law."
Susan Storch, chairwoman of Road Safety Wales said "Following years of education, enforcement and publicity, the vast majority of drivers have taken the ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ message to heart and we thank everyone who continues to take this on board. Working with our partners in the Police, Road Safety Wales is reminding all drivers and riders of their responsibility to always drive sober and free from illegal drugs and to never accept a lift from someone they suspect has been drinking or taking drugs. Those who take over-the-counter or prescribed medication are encouraged to speak to their Doctor or Pharmacist about any effects this may have on their driving. Please enjoy the festive period and get home safely"
Angela Coen, whose son Arran died from a brain injury after his car hit a tree in November 2015, spoke at the launch at the Orbit Business Centre.
He had 102 milligrams of alcohol in his blood at the time of the accident - the legal drink-drive limit is 80.
Arran had qualified to be a personal trainer the day before his Ford Focus car hit the central reservation, left the road and hit a tree near Swansea.
An inquest heard a heavy dumbbell may have contributed to his serious brain injuries.
Mrs Coen said: "When Arran chose to get behind the wheel of his car he didn't consider the impact that one extra drink could have on his ability to keep control.
"After losing Arran, my life will never be the same again. I want people to truly understand the impact driving under the influence can have on family and the community. Don't drink and drive."
Arrans mother has shared her experience in a video which can be seen here.
During last year's campaign North Wales Police also revealed it randomly tested its own officers for drink and drugs, with all tests coming back negative.
The South Wales force area topped the table for failed drink-drive tests, with 205 motorists out of 4,409 stopped over the legal limit - a 4.6% fail rate.
In the Gwent force area, police stopped just over 1,100 drivers, with 47 arrests - a rate of 4.2%
North Wales Police stopped the most drivers, 8,894, but had the lowest drink-drive rate in Wales, with 82 over the limit - less than 1%
A further 8,400 motorists were checked by Dyfed-Powys Police, with 164 fails - just under 2%.