Morning-After Drink Driving Checks Carried Out in Truro

More than 40 drivers were stopped in Truro last Friday morning as police carried out a targeted operation focusing on drink driving the day after alcohol consumption.

Roadside Checks on the A390

A stop site was set up on the busy A390 from 8am for around two and a half hours. Officers stopped vehicles to carry out breathalyser tests and to speak with drivers about the lingering effects alcohol can have the morning after drinking.

In total, 41 breathalyser tests were carried out and none returned a positive result. One woman was arrested on suspicion of drug driving after a roadside test indicated the presence of cannabis.

Warnings Over Morning-After Drink Driving

The operation was led by PC Dave Langley, who highlighted the common misunderstanding around sobering up overnight.

“It’s a common misconception that a few hours of sleep or a strong coffee is enough to sober someone up. That’s not true,” he said.

“The reality is that alcohol can stay in your system for hours after your last drink. That means you may still be over the limit if you drive the morning after drinking.”

PC Langley explained how long alcohol can remain in the body.

“On average, it takes our bodies one hour to process one unit of alcohol. For example, for five pints of beer, which contain three units of alcohol, it would take around 15 hours to clear your system.”

He also outlined the potential consequences for those caught over the legal limit.

“Anyone who is found over the limit can potentially receive a criminal record, maximum penalty of six months in prison and an automatic driving ban of at least one year. So, if you have been drinking the night before, please stop and think twice before you consider getting behind the wheel.”

Education as Well as Enforcement

Commenting on the outcome, PC Langley said the checks were not just about catching offenders.

“This operation was as much about education as it was enforcement,” he said.

“Whilst it was a positive result that we didn’t find anyone over the limit, we know how important it is to continue to carry out activity like this.

“Ultimately we want to drive safe and sustainable change by educating drivers, deterring dangerous behaviour and identifying those breaking the law to keep everyone on our roads safe.”

The activity was led by the roads policing team, supported by the local Truro neighbourhood team. The roads policing team operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How to Report Concerns

If you suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, police advise calling 999 immediately with the vehicle details and direction of travel.

Anyone wishing to share intelligence about someone who regularly drives under the influence can call 101 or submit information using the intelligence form on the Devon & Cornwall Police website.

You can find the form via Devon & Cornwall Police.