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Say no to drink if you're driving
POLICE today warned motorists to say no to booze as they deliver presents to loved ones.
More people risk being over the drink-drive limit today than any other time as people drop off gifts and are offered a drink.
But officers are urging people to just say no. The call has been backed by Anthony and Valerie Shepherd, who lost their only son to a drink driver in October 2006.
Anthony Shepherd was killed after being hit by a stolen Vauxhall Astra, in Gainsborough Avenue, Whiteleas, driven by Mark Anderson.
In a joint plea, Mr and Mrs Shepherd said: "We go through hell every morning.
"We wake up knowing the life of our only son, our Anthony, has been taken from us by a drink driver. For us there is no Christmas.
"People who drink and drive need to think about the consequences, especially at this time of year – they could be giving a family the worst present ever, a knock on the door from a police officer telling them a loved one has been killed by a drink driver.
"Please don't take the chance – think before you drink. Is a can of lager, or a glass of wine worth another person's life?"
Inspector Gordon Rea, of South Tyneside Area Command Motor Patrols, said: "Drink driving doesn't just include those who go to a bar and drink then drive.
"Motorists can just as easily be over the limit by having a few small drinks as they make their rounds delivering presents.
"Our advice is, just say no to any offers of drinks – don't gamble on whether you may or may not be over the limit."
Traffic cops will be out in unmarked and marked cars throughout the festive season to hunt down those dicing with the
lives of other motorists and pedestrians.
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Weather for South Shields
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
