Bradley and Ferry lend their support
Pompey stars Simon Ferry and Sonny Bradley have backed Hampshire and Thames Valley police in their anti-drink drive message this Christmas.
The pair sported purple ribbons – which will be worn by police officers to raise awareness – in solidarity with the campaign to cut the number of people caught drinking and driving over the festive period and make our roads safer as a result.
Entitled ‘Is it worth the risk?’, the campaign aims to highlight the risks posed by driving the morning after while still under the influence of alcohol, as well as the issue of driving after taking drugs.
Chief Inspector Henry Parsons of Roads Policing for Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary said: “We are asking the public to be safe rather than sorry. Collisions involving alcohol or drugs not only devastate the lives of victims and their families, they also ruin the lives of offenders, who could face a lengthy driving ban or imprisonment.
"As well as having to live with the lifelong guilt of having killed or injured someone through their reckless behaviour, offenders could also lose their job, home and their livelihood.
“If you are going out and know you will be drinking, organise alternative transport or a designated driver to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the festive period safely.”
And Chief Inspector Parsons welcomed Pompey’s involvement.
He added: “It’s great to have prominent local clubs such as Portsmouth supporting the anti-drink drive message by circulating our video and campaign messages. It allows us to get the message out much further than we could achieve without their help. It shows how sport can be a positive influence across the area.”
Club spokesman Colin Farmery said: “As a community club it is important we support campaigns like this and we were delighted to be approached to back this initiative.
“We want all our fans to make the most of the party season, but if they have a drink to ensure they stay safe for themselves and the benefit of others.”
The police campaign was kicked off by the release of a video, spoofing a comedian apparently telling a ‘joke’ at a Christmas Party which turns out to be how he killed someone drink-driving.
Backed by the Twitter hashtag #CarCrashComedy the video can be seen here.