ALCOHOL was a contributory factor in 14 fatal or serious injury collisions on Suffolk's roads this year, new figures revealed today.

ALCOHOL was a contributory factor in 14 fatal or serious injury collisions on Suffolk's roads this year, new figures revealed today.

The statistics were released by Suffolk police which on Saturday launches its month-long Christmas drink and drug-drive campaign.

The campaign, supported by Suffolk Roadsafe, features a poster of a drink-driver locked in a cell with the headline 'It'll be lonely this Christmas'.

It follows the launch of The Evening Star's Name and Shame campaign earlier this month.

Officers will be stepping up roadside checks and are warning motorists that they will breath-test anyone involved in a collision, however minor.

Roads policing chief inspector, Martin Barnes-Smith, said: “Drink-driving has the potential to ruin your life, the life of your loved ones or the life of a complete stranger.

“Having that extra drink after work or on a night out may seem like a good idea at the time, but you should ask yourself how you would feel if you killed someone because of your actions?

“The offence of 'causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs' carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment.

“If you are going out on a night out, remember to book a cab, choose a nominated driver or, if you are at a friend's house, stay over for the night.

“If you think you won't get caught, you're wrong. The police are trained to spot all the tricks drink drivers use to avoid being caught.”

In December 2006, 2,283 people were stopped and breathalysed, and 101 were found to be over the legal limit of 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.

Anyone who suspects someone they know of drink driving is asked to report them immediately to the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Meanwhile, police across Suffolk will also be targeting speeding, using a mobile phone while driving and people who do not wear a seatbelt.

Latest figures for October show that 474 people were stopped by officers and issued with penalty notices for speeding.

In all, 244 were stopped and issued with penalty notices for using mobile phones and 240 people were issued with penalty notices for failing to wear a seatbelt.

Another 68 people were arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.