THE annual Christmas drink and drug-driving campaign run by Dorset Police begins today.

Run until Sunday, January 1, the roads policing and no excuse teams will be holding a launch event at Poole's Dolphin Shopping Centre today, with representatives from the ambulance and fire services, to help raise awareness of the dangers involved in getting behind the wheel having drunk alcohol and/or consumed drugs.

The month-long operation will see officers carry out breath tests from all drivers involved in crashes, regardless if they are suspected of a drink-driving offence.

Drivers can also expect to be tested during routine stop checks.

Inspector Matt Butler, of the Alliance Roads Policing Department, said: “I have attended far too many road deaths as a direct result of drink and drug driving. I have seen far too many families devastated.

“Alcohol and drugs impair many of the functions necessary for safe driving; reaction times and spatial awareness are affected significantly. This may still be the case the morning after, depending on how much alcohol you consumed the night before and when you stopped drinking.

“If you take the risk, you could kill or seriously injure another person. Drink and drug driving affects real people with real families. Please plan ahead this Christmas and take responsibility.”

During last year's campaign 105 people were arrested for drink and drug-driving offences - a huge rise compared to the 88 arrested in 2014.

In 2013, officers arrested 108 drivers and 100 in 2012.