Don't Get Wrecked Christmas Campaign

The three-minute video, called Driving Home for Christmas, aims to raise awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence and how such a decision can shatter many people’s lives.

It is being released to coincide with the annual Don’t Get Wrecked campaign – a joint project between police and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service that tackles those who get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.

The film – featuring a cast of local actors – was co-funded by Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster and the Derbyshire and Derby Road Safety Partnership. It was produced by Derbyshire Constabulary’s multimedia team with help from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service.

The partnership production is just the first in a range of projects taking place throughout December, as we team up with our colleagues in the fire service to tackle drink and drug-drivers.

We will increase our roads policing patrols during the festive period due to the rise in the number of Christmas and New Year parties – which in turn increases the risk of serious and fatal collisions due to alcohol or drug-impaired drivers.

Chief Inspector David Nicholls, who leads our Roads Policing Unit, said: “When a driver makes that choice, of getting behind the wheel when they’ve had too much to drink or they’ve taken drugs, they never know what devastation could be lying just around the corner.

“Time and again, our officers have to tell a child in the days before Christmas that their mum or dad are never coming home, or we visit someone to say their loved one is dead because of a drink or drug-driver.

“The heartbreak those words cause cannot be explained. It has to stop. Every year we work hard to campaign and spread awareness around the real dangers of driving whilst under the influence. Yet year on year, we’re still dealing with the consequences of these individuals’ actions.

“That is why this Christmas our roads policing team will be focusing all its efforts to ensure that we hold to account the people who choose to put their own lives at risk, and the lives of others.”

Driving Home for Christmas tells the story of three characters on separate car journeys, whose worlds collide when one of them decides to drive home after an alcohol-fuelled party. That decision has harrowing consequences not only for the family left to pick up the pieces, but for the driver who has to live with the fallout of their actions.

The visual story is set to the familiar festive soundtrack of O’ Come All Ye Faithful, by composer Matt Harvey.

Chief Constable Rachel Swann said: “We understand that people want to go out and celebrate at Christmas and wish everyone in Derbyshire a wonderful time. All we ask is that you do so responsibly and if you are planning to have a drink, don’t get behind the wheel. You'll not only be placing your life in danger, but the lives of other innocent people around you.”

Prevention Group Manager, David Diggins, from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “As we enter the festive party season, we are once again joining forces with our Derbyshire Constabulary colleagues to raise awareness around the consequences of getting behind the wheel when intoxicated.

“We know people will be going out and celebrating on the lead up to Christmas, but as a Fire Service we also know and often see first-hand the devastating impact of driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

“Our message is simple, Don’t Get Wrecked. Book a taxi, appoint a designated driver, or take a walk, but don’t be tempted to drive if you’re planning to party. You’ll not only be putting your own life at risk, but also the lives of others.”