AS the festive season gets into full swing, drivers in the Vale and beyond are being warned of the dangers of getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs.

Campaigns have been launched across the region aimed at reducing the number of casualties caused by drink and drug driving.

The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia is supporting the national THINK! Drink Drive campaign which targets young people aged between 17 and 29.

Over the past three years, 78 people were killed or seriously injured in Worcestershire as a result of crashes involving drink or drugs. About 45 per cent of drivers were aged under 30.

As part of the campaign, the partnership will be putting up posters in pubs and clubs throughout the county and working with agencies including Worcestershire County Council and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service on awareness events.

At the heart of the campaign is a 12-part online blog which tells the story of Amy, who is breathalysed the morning after a Christmas party and now must face the consequences of her actions.

Meanwhile, Warwickshire Police have issued the stark warning that drink drivers will be “processed like any other criminal” and officers will be breathalysing all motorists involved in any collisions they attend through to the New Year.

Police will also be carrying out winter roadside checks on cars to ensure tyres, lights, tinted windows and water bottles comply with legal requirements.

Anyone caught drink driving faces a minimum 12 month driving ban, a fine up to £5,000 and a possible six month prison sentence.