Police campaign warns of drink-driving dangers

A campaign to educate drivers about the dangers of drink-driving during the month that sees the highest number of people killed or seriously injured on the country's roads, is under way.

West Midlands P lice were in West Bromwich on Wednesday speaking to drivers and pub staff with the aim of educating people about the risks, particularly ahead of England's Euro semi-final match.

Claire Chapman who lost her son Harry due to a drink-driver two weeks before his 21st birthday supported the campaign.

She said the impact of his death was forever and she could not think of the future without him.

Harry Chapman died when his Ford Fiesta was hit by Scott Gorey's Jaguar XF on Aldridge Road, Streetly, in October 2022.

Gorey was travelling between 86mph and 97mph in a 30mph limit zone and was also on the wrong side of the road.

He was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison in December 2023.

West Midlands Police has been running its Not Coming Home drink-driving campaign since last month.

PC Lucy Diment, said she had a "really good reception" from people she spoke to in one pub in Wednesbury.

"Everyone was accepting the message and being really positive about it... especially ahead of the football," she said.

Sgt Adrian Brown, said July was a high month for collisions because of the weather, and this year, people enjoying the Euro football tournament.

"My advice would be if you have a friend or a colleague or someone that you see drinking and driving - stop them. Take the keys from them. Report it to the police."

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