Swanswell to deliver drink-drive rehabilitation scheme in the West Midlands and Warwickshire
Swanswell’s helping people understand the risks of drink-driving after gaining approval to provide a special scheme in the West Midlands and Warwickshire.
The national recovery charity, which wants to achieve a society free from problem alcohol and drug use, has been given permission from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to deliver Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) courses in the region from now on.
The DDRS programme is an educational course for motorists who have been convicted of relevant drink-drive offences, and will promote safe and responsible driving.
It will help them understand their drinking behaviour in relation to driving, the potential impact drink-driving has on themselves and others, the law, how alcohol affects the ability to drive safely and the wider health effects of alcohol use, among other areas.
Drivers will pay to attend the DDRS programme and once completed successfully, they will be able to apply for earlier renewal of their licence.
Courses will run in three-week, four-week or eight-week sessions from a number of venues across Warwickshire and the West Midlands.
Debbie Bannigan, Swanswell’s Chief Executive, said: ‘Research suggests that a single alcoholic drink increases the risk of death or serious injury by five times, so it’s vital that we educate people about the risks to themselves and others, before it’s too late.
‘In our experience of running similar courses, people often tell us they wouldn’t have got behind the wheel in the first place if they’d known the affect that alcohol has on their ability to drive safely and responsibly.
‘Education is key to helping people make informed decisions about their alcohol use, so we hope this course gives them the information they need to ensure they don’t drink and drive in the future and ultimately, help save lives.’
Drivers face strict penalties if caught drink-driving including a fine of up to £5,000, a minimum 12-month driving ban and a criminal record, as well as an endorsement on their license for 11 years (Department for Transport).
In turn, it can also lead to increased car insurance cost, job loss (particularly if driving is an essential part of the job), trouble getting in to certain countries and a loss of independence.
For more information or supporting photographs, contact Stuart Goodwin:
Swanswell
Suite5, Hilton House
Corporation Street
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV21 2DN
Tel: 01788 559 422
Email: stuart.goodwin@swanswell.org
About Swanswell
At Swanswell, we believe in a society free from problem alcohol and drug use; that everyone deserves the chance to change and be happy.
We’re a market leading charity with an exciting programme of innovative new service developments and a team of committed people who are working hard to achieve our ambitions.
Swanswell has a number of offices across the country including Coventry and Warwickshire, Birmingham, Barnsley, Sandwell, Leicestershire and Rutland. Visit Swanswell at: www.swanswell.org.
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