Drinking then driving is a killer and the statistics that illustrate this are very alarming.

One in seven people killed on the roads die in drink drive accidents, and on average 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured each year.

Wiltshire police, alarmed at the increase in accidents this year, has launched its drink drive campaign in a bid to reduce the number of drink drive-related casualties. It is supported by the hard-hitting national TV coverage, showing horrific accidents, to bring home the message.

Christmas and New Year is a time traditionally that people tend to drink more, but traffic police officer Melanie Rolph has a clear message: If you are drinking then don't drive.

WPC Rolph, who is co-ordinating the north and west Wiltshire drink drive campaign, said: "People do not realise how much alcohol affects their judgment, however small the quantity.

"Motorists are in control of a ton of metal once alcohol is in their system their perception of speed lessens, and their ability to judge distances is affected. The only safe way to drive is not to drink any alcohol."

Wiltshire police's road safety officer, Sgt Dave Melvin, said: "The Christmas/New Year period is an important celebration for families and people will be attending parties or visiting friends and family.

"We do not want these festive celebrations marred by deaths and injuries on the roads. We are asking all concerned to please take a responsible attitude and not ruin their own, their family's, or other people's celebrations, by ignoring the advice."

Police officers around the county will be enforcing the drink drive legislation throughout the campaign period, and stepping up their activities in support of the campaign with the objective of reducing drink drive casualties and apprehending those who choose to ignore all the advice.

WPC Rolph said: "We will be setting up road safety checks throughout the area, and will be roadside breath testing anyone we suspect of having drunk alcohol. And these checks will not only be in the evenings, we plan to stage checks throughout the day."

She added: "Many drivers who have been out for a drink the night before do not realise they could still be over the limit the next morning. Drinking then driving is not only very dangerous, but is now considered to be very antisocial.

"It is police policy to breath test any motorist who has been involved in any accident however minor."