DRIVERS were reminded of the perils of drink driving at a special event at Waitrose on Saturday in support of the Government's annual Think! drink driving campaign.

PCSOs Danielle

Moore Dunstan and Lisa Smith from Okehampton Neighbourhood Policing Team were at Waitrose's car park on Saturday, to remind drivers of the dangers of drink driving.

Devon and Somerset Fire Service were present with a VW Transporter driving simulator and a Mitsubishi Evo for residents to sit in.

This year's campaign is focusing on the huge impact a drink driving conviction can have on your current job and future employability prospects.

Figures from the Department for Transport show that a million people in the UK would lose their job if caught drink driving this Christmas due to having to drive in relation to their employment. Drink driving has strict penalties, including a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, and a fine of up to £5,000.

Inspector Richard Pryce, head of roads policing for Devon and Cornwall Police, said: 'If you drink and drive, you risk significant consequences. This is not only increasing your chance of causing serious injury during a collision, but life changing consequences to simply running a normal life.

'The penalties when caught have far reaching implications on any drink driver's life financially, emotionally, psycho-logically and on their family and friends. The punishments are severe, not only from what a court may pass as a sentence, but the ongoing con-sequential effects.

'If convicted of drink driving you will have a criminal record, lose your licence and potentially your livelihood.

'You could spend time in prison and have a hefty fine. Convictions can also significantly increase insurance premiums and prevent travel to certain countries.

'More importantly, they risk causing a death or serious injury on the roads. The message is simple: don't drink and drive.'

As part of this year's campaign, officers will be carrying out increased roadside checks in the evenings and early mornings during the festive period.

They will continue to breathalyse all drivers involved in collisions and anyone committing an offence when driving or suspected to be under the influence of drink or drugs.

Driving while impaired through drugs is an equally serious matter, and police will be undertaking roadside impairment tests when anyone is suspected to be driving under the influence of drugs. Anyone suspected could face having to provide a blood sample for analysis.

Inspector Pryce added: 'We will not tolerate driving while impaired by drink or drugs at any time of the year but we will ensure close attention is being paid over the festive period.

'We urge people to think about how they are going to get home after they have been drinking and make arrangements before they go out.

'If you know someone is driving while impaired, we encourage you to do the responsible thing and report it to the police.'