Emotional accounts by police officers of dealing with crashes caused by drink or drugs are being used to persuade drinkers to take care this Christmas.

Four officers in the specialist roads policing teams have shared their thoughts and experiences of dealing with such incidents and how it affects all of those involved, which have been put on a video on YouTube.

The aim of this year’s campaign, which runs until January 1, is to highlight the reality of these collisions and how they affect not only the victims and their families, but also those who deal with them.

Chief Inspector Mark Bownass, who leads Roads Policing at West Yorkshire Police, said: “Christmas is traditionally a happy time of year where you spend time with family and friends, but for some people it can end in tragedy.

“My officers don’t want to attend fatal and serious road traffic collisions that could easily be avoided this festive period – and they don’t want to knock on your door to tell you that your loved one is in hospital or they’re dead.

“Don't destroy someone's happiness at this time of year – think before you get in the car.”