DRIVERS are being reminded of the dangers of drinking and driving as the weather hots up.

The Safer Roads Partnership in Warwickshire and West Mercia is warning people once again of the dangers of getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs.

Drink and drug driving offences typically increase during the summer.

A new campaign, launching on Monday, aims to raise awareness of the consequences drink-driving and will see more roadside checks carried out at all times of day and night and on all types of roads throughout the summer.

Over the past three years, 118 people have been killed or seriously injured in the West Mercia region and 78 in Warwickshire as a result of collisions involving drink or drugs.

Just over 64 per cent of drivers involved in collisions causing death or serious injury involving drink or drugs were aged 17 to 30, of which around 87 per cent were male.

Anyone caught drink-driving will receive a minimum 12 month driving ban and could face up to six months in prison, a fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record.

Vicki Bristow, communications manager for the Safer Roads Partnership, said: "During the summer months, we all enjoy the longer evenings but this often puts people in situations where they may be drinking more than usual, for example at barbecues, local pub gardens and festivals. Our campaign aims to highlight the fact that mixing drinking and driving simply isn’t worth the risk.

"Our message is very simple, if you’re driving, don’t drink any alcohol at all. Alcohol affects everyone very differently and any amount can impair your ability to drive. The only safe option is to avoid alcohol completely if you are driving, as even ‘just one drink’ could put you over the limit.”

New drug driving laws brought in from March also makes it a lot easier for the police to tackle drivers who choose to drive whilst under the influence of drugs, with new drug testing kits in place to detect cannabis and cocaine.

Chief Inspector Adrian Knight, of protective services with Warwickshire and West Mercia Police, said: “We are committed to year round enforcement of offences of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs. We are acutely aware that the summer period can see a rise in the commission of these offences.

“Officers within both force areas will be tasked with proactive patrolling and enforcement of legislation designed to make travelling on the roads safer for everyone.

“The consequences of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs can be catastrophic for families of people who die or suffer serious injuries as a result of unfit drivers.”