Young men are heavily over-represented in drink-drive related accidents, with 280 aged 16 to 24 killed or seriously injured due to drink-driving in a single year.

This summer, a time when social drinking is at its peak, police are asking all mates to step up and intervene, because a mate doesn’t let a mate drink- or drug-drive.

The Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit will be out in force tackling the issue during the campaign, which runs from 17 June to 7 July. The goal is to ensure motorists know the score when it comes to driving under the influence, or face the consequences.

Officers are also advising drinkers to allow extra time if they plan to drive the next morning, as they could still be over the limit.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “It doesn’t matter if it’s ‘only’ a short drive home or you’ve ‘only’ had a couple. We’ve heard every excuse in the book, but ultimately there is no excuse to drive while under the influence of drink or drugs.

“These substances can seriously impair your ability to drive, placing yourself and other road users at significant risk.  Please don’t compromise the safety of you or anyone else on the roads. Let’s not meet by accident.”

Obviously, officers respond to reports of drink and drug-drivers all year round, but there will be targeted patrols and static stop-checks dedicated to tackling offenders throughout the summer campaign. Anyone caught will be dealt with robustly.

Last summer, officers in Surrey conduced 898 breath tests and administered 83 drug tests over the campaign, resulting in 130 arrests (60 of which were for drug-driving).

Penalties include:

• A minimum 12-month ban;
• An unlimited fine;
• A possible prison sentence;
• A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment;
• An increase in your car insurance premium;
• An endorsement on your driving licence for 11 years; and
• Trouble travelling to countries such as the USA.

If you suspect someone you know may drive regularly while under the influence police want to know. People in Surrey can text officers on 65999 with the details of people they suspect of drink- or drug-driving, or call 999.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online (www.crimestoppers-uk.org).