JPs ON DRINK DRIVE COURSE
Manchester magistrates got a taste of the alcohol education course which they offer to drink drivers after appearing in court.
JPs got an insight into the 18 hour rehabilitation course which has been acclaimed for reducing re-offending rates nationwide.
It is offered to some convicted drink drivers in return for up to a quarter off their driving ban.
Mel Hughes, of the TTC Group, gave magistrates a “walk through” of the course including alcohol units, how long it takes for alcohol to be absorbed into the body, the problem of the “morning after” and how alcohol is now stronger and served in larger measures.
A video clip in a mortuary with a pathologist showing a healthy and a cirrhotic liver is followed by a film of a teenage girl killed by a drink driver.
Magistrate George Carter said he now knew why some people inadvertently slipped into drink driving because alcohol is now served in much larger glasses.
The alcoholic dangers from alcopops for teenagers were also highlighted, he said.
“Some of the issues brought out in the seminar were forceful and powerful. It was very entertaining and interesting.”
Magistrates also watched as one of their colleagues walked a white line wearing Drunkbuster goggles which split the vision showing how alcohol effects eyesight and perception.
A total of 3,088 motorists appeared before magistrates in Greater Manchester in 2005 charged with drink driving. Of these, 1,672 volunteered to attend the TTC course.
TTC now hold a similar course for the corporate sector aimed at educating employees about the dangers of alcohol and drugs in a bid to reduce road crashes – with one in three involving people driving as part of their job.
For more information visit www.ttc-uk.com or call 0845 270 4380.
